WorkLife with Adam Grant - TED

The Science of Productive Conflict Apr 13, 2021

Whether it's over a project, politics, or pizza toppings, conflict with colleagues is inevitable. The goal is not to eliminate it; it’s to handle it better. There’s a whole science of managing individual and team conflicts, and it suggests that we don’t have to agree to disagree. We need to start by understanding what our clashes are actually about—because often, we’re not arguing about what we THINK we’re arguing about at all. For the transcript of this episode, head to go.ted.com/WLTranscript43

Navigating Career Turbulence Apr 06, 2021

Everyone’s career will hit some turbulence at some point. The past year has left us all reacting to dramatic change. Instead of pushing harder against the headwinds, we’re sometimes better off tilting our rudder and charting a new course. In this episode, hear from people who have taken unusual steps to battle uncertainty, rethought their approach to finding and landing a job, and reached out for help in unexpected places—as well as an expert on recessions who forecasts the future by looking to the past. For the transcript for this episode, visit go.ted.com/WLTranscript41

How to Rethink a Bad Decision Mar 30, 2021

In life and work, we have a hard time changing course. When we wind up in a miserable job, a failing project, or a floundering romantic relationship, we rationalize, make excuses, and stick with our bad decisions—even when the writing's on the wall. Why? Usually we assume the driving force is sunk costs: we don't want to admit we've wasted that time or money. But in fact, the root of our stubbornness is a psychological trap called “escalation of commitment.” Once we understand that, we can start taking steps to protect ourselves from… well, ourselves.

Taken for Granted: Daniel Kahneman Doesn't Trust Your Intuition Mar 16, 2021

Daniel Kahneman is a Nobel Prize winner who transformed our understanding of the biases that cloud our thinking. In this conversation, he and Adam explore when to trust our intuition and when to second-guess it. Danny explains how he finds joy in being wrong, spells out steps to smarter interviewing, and reveals how he—the master decoder of decision-making—makes decisions.

Taken for Granted: Malcolm Gladwell Questions Everything Mar 09, 2021

When Adam Grant and Malcolm Gladwell sit down to challenge each other, everything is fair game. Sit ringside for this collegial cage match in which two preeminent writers rethink each other's ideas in an insatiable quest to get closer to the truth. Is intelligence undersold or oversold? Does individual blaming and shaming obscure the pursuit of real change on racism? Could rethinking everything lead not only to a better business but a better life? In pursuit of answers, Grant and Gladwell agree on this much: you shouldn't believe everything you think.

Taken for Granted: Jane Goodall on Leadership Lessons from Primates Mar 02, 2021

Have you ever felt your work colleagues sometimes act like animals? In this conversation, Jane and Adam take that idea literally, exploring what Jane's expertise on chimp behavior can teach us about how humans relate and organize. With grace and wisdom, Jane shares primal insights on how we acquire and keep power, the difference between being a leader and being a boss, and the role of patience in making discoveries and making a career.

Taken for Granted: Brené Brown on What Vulnerability Isn't Feb 23, 2021

We usually wear our thickest armor at work, and Brené Brown has blazed the trail of teaching us why—and how to shed it. In this conversation, Adam and Brené unpack the power of showing vulnerability at work—and explore how much is too much. Learn when and where to set boundaries, find out how to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable, and hear Brené rethink a key assumption that she took for granted in her own work.

Think Again: JJ Abrams Takes Adam’s Job Jan 31, 2021

JJ Abrams joins as the interviewer for an exclusive first look at Adam's forthcoming book: “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know.” Together, they illuminate strategies for maintaining humility, curiosity, and mental flexibility in a world that rewards confidence, conviction, and foolish consistency. Plus, JJ shares some of his favorite rethinking moments from writing “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” producing “Lost,” and directing an episode of “The Office.”

Burnout Is Everyone's Problem May 12, 2020

Burnout seems to be everywhere. But it’s not inevitable. Come inside some high-pressure workplaces that have figured out how to fight exhaustion by redesigning jobs—and changing cultures.

We Don’t Have to Fight Loneliness Alone May 11, 2020

Many workplaces have become increasingly lonely, even before the coronavirus pandemic made more of us literally remote. It’s not just an unpleasant feeling—loneliness can hurt our health and our job performance. Find out why it's time for happy hours to finally die—and how it might take less than a minute to start building real connections.

The Science of the Deal May 10, 2020

Most of us negotiate in one of two ways: either you roll right over the other party, or you just roll over. But great negotiators refuse to believe that we have to choose between results and relationships. Sharpen your negotiation skills for both business and life with evidence and insights from a trio of negotiators who transformed their styles—and one who pulled off one of the most consequential agreements in human history.

To find transcripts for WorkLife, head to TED.com/series/worklifewithadam_grant

Career Decline Isn't Inevitable May 05, 2020

As we age, we often feel like the clock starts ticking on our careers. But there are ways to sustain—and even gain—excellence over time. Meet a musician whose career ended too soon, and an entrepreneur and a social media star who defied the stereotypes on professional decline. They illuminate steps that fuel great second and third acts.

Bonus: The Fall of WeWork's Culture Apr 30, 2020

Exclusive: In his first public interview since WeWork’s collapse, former Chief Growth Officer David Fano opens up about the company’s leadership and culture. We go deep on the rewards and risks of charismatic leadership and bold visions, the differences between strong cultures and cults, and how a meteoric rise can come crashing down.

Reinventing the Job Interview Apr 21, 2020

"We’ve all answered our share of cringeworthy interview questions—and watched managers pick the wrong person while rejecting the right one. Is it time to delegate hiring decisions to algorithms? Find out what the experts recommend, and meet a pair of leaders who have reimagined the interview process by ignoring credentials and refusing to look at resumes.

Authenticity Is a Double-Edged Sword Apr 07, 2020

"Just be yourself." That's popular work advice these days, with more and more companies encouraging people to “be authentic” and bring their whole selves to work. But when we get real at the wrong time or in the wrong way, it can backfire. What does effective authenticity look like, and how can we learn to strike the right balance?

Bonus: Relationships at Work with Esther Perel Mar 30, 2020

Work relationships are complicated. Who holds the power and why? What are effective ways to solve conflict? And how do you know when it’s time to walk away? Adam gets personal with therapist Esther Perel to explore the dynamics of trust, power, and people pleasing.

WorkLife listeners—we're running a survey and we'd love to hear what you think of the show. Please give us some feedback at surveynerds.com/worklife. It only takes a few minutes, and it really helps us improve the podcast. Thanks!

How Science Can Fix Remote Work Mar 17, 2020

Remote work was a trend that some companies and gig workers were trying out, even as others resisted. Then the pandemic made it an overnight reality for many of us. This feels like uncharted territory, but there’s already plenty of knowledge on how to do it well. Learn from someone who has done more remote work than almost anyone on the planet—and find out what science says about how to keep your teams cohesive, fight screenout, and build resilience by mentally traveling in time.

The Real Reason You Procrastinate Mar 10, 2020

You procrastinate because you're lazy, right? Wrong. The truth is more complex—and far more interesting. Learn how to stop putting off important tasks ... with a little help from master procrastinator Margaret Atwood.

WorkLife listeners—we're running a survey and we'd love to hear what you think of the show. Please give us some feedback at surveynerds.com/worklife. It only takes a few minutes, and it really helps us improve the podcast. Thanks!

Bonus: Wild Work Advice with Cheryl Strayed Feb 12, 2020

We’re constantly seeking advice about our work lives. Which job offer to take. When to quit. Whether to blow the whistle on a bad boss. But so much of the advice we get—and give—turns out to be bad. For some sage advice, Adam sought out master advice-giver Cheryl Strayed, the author of Wild.

WorkLife listeners—we're running a survey and we'd love to hear what you think of the show. Please give us some feedback at surveynerds.com/worklife. It only takes a few minutes, and it really helps us improve the podcast. Thanks!

Bonus: Fadbusting with Freakonomics May 20, 2019

Open office plans. Learning styles. 10,000 hours of practice. Freakonomics host Stephen Dubner joins Adam for a live conversation to reveal why some popular workplace fads might be bogus—and what to do instead. This episode is made possible with the support of Accenture, Bonobos, Hilton, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

When Strength Becomes Weakness Apr 23, 2019

Excellence comes from doing what you do best—but you need to make sure you’re doing it at the right times. This episode is made possible with the support of JPMorgan Chase & Co., Accenture, Bonobos, and Hilton.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifeweakness

Bouncing Back from Rejection Apr 16, 2019

Learn how to face rejection—and even come out stronger because of it. This episode is made possible with the support of Hilton, Accenture, Bonobos, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/workliferejection

How to Remember Anything Apr 09, 2019

Memory is a skill you can learn -- and a powerful strategy every workplace can harness. This episode is made possible with the support of Accenture, Bonobos, Hilton, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifememory

The Office Without A**holes Apr 02, 2019

How do you deal with jerks at work? And is it possible to eliminate them altogether? This episode is made possible with the support of Bonobos, Accenture, Hilton, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifeaholes

The Perils of Following Your Career Passion Mar 26, 2019

“Do what you love” is often terrible advice. Instead of taking the job that will make you happiest, look for the one where you’ll learn the most. This episode is made possible with the support of JPMorgan Chase & Co., Accenture, Bonobos, and Hilton.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifepassion

Networking For People Who Hate Networking Mar 19, 2019

Ditch your business cards. There are more effective, less awkward strategies for building your connections. This episode is made possible with the support of Bonobos, Accenture, Hilton, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifenetworking

Become Friends with Your Rivals Mar 12, 2019

What we can learn about friendly competition from Olympic skiers, elite marathoners, and...food truck vendors. This episode is made possible with the support of Accenture, Bonobos, Hilton, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/workliferivals

The Creative Power of Misfits Mar 05, 2019

Harness the power of frustrated people to shake up the status quo — just like Pixar did. This episode is made possible with the support of Bonobos, Accenture, Hilton, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifemisfits

Teaser: WorkLife Season 2 Feb 20, 2019

Work doesn't have to suck; science says so. Take a trip inside the minds of expert networkers and Olympic champions, an Oscar-winning director and an office-politics whisperer — who've all mastered ways to make work more creative and more fun.

Bonus: A Debate with Malcolm Gladwell May 10, 2018

In a special live taping at the 92nd Street Y in New York, Adam talks with Revisionist History's Malcolm Gladwell about how to avoid doing highly undesirable tasks, what makes an idea interesting, and why Malcolm thinks we shouldn't root for the underdog. This episode is brought to you by Accenture, Bonobos, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Warby Parker.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifegladwell

Bonus: #MeToo with Ashley Judd, Ronan Farrow, and Tarana Burke Apr 25, 2018

To find out how to stop sexual harassment at work, Adam talks with three powerful voices of the #MeToo movement: its founder Tarana Burke, Pulitzer Prize-winner Ronan Farrow and silence breaker Ashley Judd. This episode is brought to you by Accenture, Bonobos, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Warby Parker.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifemetoo

When Work Takes Over Your Life Apr 18, 2018

Technology is making it harder than ever to disconnect, but it might be easier than you think. To learn about setting boundaries, Adam talks with entrepreneur Arianna Huffington, leaders who have taken bold steps to ban emails at odd hours in their workplaces, and an FBI hostage negotiator who has surprising advice on saying no. This episode is brought to you by JPMorgan Chase & Co., Accenture, Bonobos, and Warby Parker.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifetakeover

A World Without Bosses Apr 11, 2018

Being your own boss can be liberating, but it can also be paralyzing. Adam talks with author Dan Pink about the challenges of working for ourselves and visits a tomato paste company, Morning Star, that has run successfully for decades without bosses. This episode is brought to you by Bonobos, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Warby Parker.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifebosses

Faking Your Emotions at Work Apr 04, 2018

You manage your own emotions at work—and your coworkers’ and customers’ emotions too. How do you do that without burning out? To find out how to get into character, deliver a great performance, and avoid exhaustion, Adam talks with actor John Lithgow and takes you inside the call center at Zappos and the hospitality philosophy of an acclaimed restauranteur. This episode is brought to you by Accenture, Bonobos, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Warby Parker.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifeemotions

How to Trust People You Don’t Like Mar 28, 2018

Astronauts on the International Space Station live in capsules together for months. And yes, they can get on each other's nerves. A crew of astronauts from different countries -- and the wilderness trainer who was called in for an emergency intervention -- share fresh insights about handling conflict and building trust. This episode is brought to you by Accenture, Bonobos, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Warby Parker.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifetrust

Your Hidden Personality Mar 21, 2018

Are you an introvert... or an extrovert? You might not know yourself as well as you think. Adam talks with “Quiet” author Susan Cain and visits a workplace where personality training starts even before job training, to help you discover what your traits really are – and how you can stretch beyond them. This episode is brought to you by Warby Parker, Accenture, Bonobos and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifepersonality

The Problem with All-Stars Mar 14, 2018

The Butler Bulldogs have a habit of shocking college basketball fans by beating top teams with far more talent. How do they do it? Adam Grant joins the team to talk about why stars are overrated, role players are underrated, and humility can go hand in hand with confidence. Also featuring “Moneyball” author Michael Lewis and Brad Stevens, coach of the Boston Celtics. This episode is brought to you by JPMorgan Chase & Co, Accenture, Bonobos and Warby Parker.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifeallstars

The Daily Show’s Secret to Creativity Mar 07, 2018

Group brainstorming is usually where creativity goes to die. But at The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, they have it down to a science. Adam takes us behind the scenes in the writers’ room to show how creative collaboration really works, and reveals what inspires people to share their best – and worst – ideas. This episode is brought to you by Warby Parker, Accenture, Bonobos and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifedailyshow

How to Love Criticism Feb 28, 2018

What if you could tell your co-workers what you really think of them? At the world’s most successful hedge fund, everyone is rated and ranked constantly – in front of everyone. They’ve figured out how to embrace negative feedback, and they swear it’s essential to their success. Adam shows how you can learn to take criticism well – and get better at dishing it out. This episode is brought to you by Bonobos, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Warby Parker.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/worklifecriticism

Trailer: WorkLife with Adam Grant Feb 07, 2018

What do the Daily Show, the Boston Celtics, and NASA all have in common? They’re about to change the way you think about work.

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