The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Devils' Advocates

Hi Reader,

💡 Today's Niblit: In Think Again, Adam Grant shows how high achievers don't just surround themselves with cheerleaders, they actively seek out thoughtful critics. He calls this a "challenge network," and it's the secret weapon that helps the best thinkers avoid their own blind spots and keep evolving.

🔑 Key Insight: Most of us build support networks filled with people who encourage and affirm us. But the most successful people also cultivate challenge networks. These are trusted critics who aren't afraid to tell them when they're wrong, point out their blind spots, and push them to think harder.

Picture two scenarios: In the first, you're surrounded by yes-men who nod at everything you say and tell you how brilliant you are. In the second, you have people who respect you enough to disagree with you, who ask tough questions, and who challenge your assumptions because they want you to succeed. Which scenario sounds more comfortable? Which sounds more likely to help you grow?

Brad Bird, the Oscar-winning director of The Incredibles, deliberately recruited the "pirates" at Pixar, the disagreeable misfits who questioned everything and pushed back on conventional wisdom. These weren't toxic critics who tore him down; they were constructive challengers who helped him build something extraordinary. The difference between destructive criticism and valuable challenge lies in the intent: destructive critics want to prove you wrong, while thoughtful challengers want to help you get it right.

🦉 Nibble of Wisdom: "Strong leaders engage their critics and make themselves stronger. Weak leaders silence their critics and make themselves weaker." - Chapter 4

🛠️ Practical Tip: Identify 2-3 people in your life who are both smart and willing to disagree with you. Make it clear that you value their pushback, and ask them to challenge your thinking on important decisions.

🚀 Quick Action: Think of your last major decision. Right now, reach out to someone whose judgment you trust but who might see it differently and ask: "What questions should I be asking about this that I might have missed?"

🔍 Further Exploration:

• Reflect on whether you've been avoiding certain people because they challenge you too much
• Consider how constructive conflict differs from destructive disagreement
• Examine whether your current circle is diverse enough in viewpoints and thinking styles

🎬 Wrapup: Your biggest fans will cheer you on, but your thoughtful critics will help you level up. The goal isn't to surround yourself with people who make you feel good, it's to surround yourself with people who make you think better. Sometimes the best gift someone can give you is the uncomfortable truth you need to hear.

🔗 Links:

• Check out Think Again by Adam Grant on Amazon
• ​Think Again on Kindle​
• ​Think Again Audiobook​
• Read Think Again for FREE​

Gratefully challenged,

Tom "friend of friendly critics" Bernthal

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