Director J.J. Abrams Read “Think Again” and Interviews Adam Grant About the Book

In this episode of Worklife with Adam Grant, from TED, the director J.J. Abrams takes Adam’s job and interviews the author and psychologist about the ideas behind the book, and shares the points that resonated with him. Together, they illuminate strategies for maintaining humility, curiosity, and mental flexibility in a world that rewards confidence, conviction, and foolish consistency. Plus, J.J. shares some of his favorite rethinking moments from writing Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, producing Lost, and directing an episode of The Office.

Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist who studies work motivation, job design, and prosocial and proactive behaviors. His research examines the forces that motivate employees to help others, and the implications of these behaviors for success and well-being. Although many employees do work that has a meaningful impact on others, all too often, they lack a vivid understanding of how their efforts make a difference. Grant’s studies demonstrate that employees work harder, smarter, longer, more generously, and more productively when they can see how their work affects others. He is the author, most recently, of Think Again among others.

J.J. Abrams is an American filmmaker and composer. He is best known for his works in the genres of action, drama, and science fiction. Abrams wrote and produced such films as Regarding Henry, Forever Young, Armageddon, Cloverfield, Star Trek, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.