Hello Leader, It's Mark -

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This week, let’s explore a leadership challenge we all face: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know!

Have you ever felt stuck in your beliefs, confident that your perspective was the right one—only to realize later you might have been wrong?

In a constantly evolving world, great leaders don’t just accumulate knowledge—they embrace the unknown with curiosity and adaptability.

I recently explored Adam Grant’s insights on this topic, and I found them incredibly relevant for leadership today. His ideas were highlighted in a conversation about his book Think Again with Andy Stanley on The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast, where they discussed the importance of rethinking and staying open to change. Let’s break down how we can shift our mindset to think more like scientists and less like preachers, prosecutors, or politicians.

Are You Thinking Like a Scientist?

One of the biggest traps leaders fall into is believing their opinions are fixed truths. Adam Grant highlights how people often take on one of these mindsets when communicating and making decisions:

• Preacher Mode – Defending beliefs as if they are absolute truths.

• Prosecutor Mode – Attacking opposing views without genuine openness.

• Politician Mode – Saying what people want to hear to gain approval.

The most effective leaders, however, think like scientists—constantly questioning their own assumptions, remaining open to new data, and being willing to rethink their positions.

What’s Blocking Your Growth?

Why is it so hard to admit when we’re wrong? Grant identifies four core fears that prevent us from embracing a mindset of learning and adaptability.

1. Threat to Intelligence – “If I admit I was wrong, does that mean I’m not as smart as I thought?”

2. Threat to Image – “Will others see me as weak or indecisive?”

3. Threat to Integrity – “If I change my mind, will people think I’m a hypocrite?”

4. Threat of Exclusion – “If I stop believing what my group believes, will I still belong?”

As leaders, our job isn’t to always have the right answer—it’s to create an environment where learning and growth are possible.

How to Build a Learning Culture

Shifting to a scientist mindset doesn’t happen overnight, but here are three key practices to help make the transition:

1. Build a Challenge Network - Surround yourself with thoughtful critics—people who will tell you the truth rather than just what you want to hear. Honest feedback is a leader’s greatest tool for growth.

2. Base Your Identity on Values, Not Opinions - Your leadership should be grounded in principles, not fixed beliefs. If your identity is tied to what you believe rather than why you believe it, you’ll be more flexible and open to change.

3. Engage in Mental Time Travel - Imagine looking back on your current beliefs from the future. Would they still hold up? Would your future self be grateful that you re-examined your stance today?

Practical Reflection for Leaders

Here’s a question to challenge your thinking:

When was the last time you changed your mind about something important?

If you can’t recall a moment, it might be time to pause and reassess.

True leadership isn’t about always being right—it’s about being willing to learn, evolve, and guide others toward better solutions.

Adam Grant Books:

• Think Again
• Hidden Potential
• Give and Take
• Originals
• Option B

Some additional books that explore this subject from different perspectives:

• Six Thinking Hats - Edward de Bono
• The Contrarian's Guide To Leadership - Steven B. Sample
• Thinking Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman

What’s on your reading list? I’d love to hear from you—send me a note at mark@markjcundiff.com

Catch up on some of my recent articles:

• Great Leaders Make Their People Feel Safe
• 3 Steps to Discover and Own Your True Identity
• 3 Keys to Overcoming Your Fears and Accomplishing Your Goals

Have a Great Week!

Mark J. Cundiff

Learning to Lead | Helping Good Leaders Become Great Leaders
markjcundiff.com

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