Wayfinder Reads: Rethink Your Practice with Insights from Adam Grant’s Think Again
At Wayfinder, we’re big believers in the power of growth—both personally and professionally. And one of the best ways to grow is to learn from others who’ve done the hard work of digging into complex ideas and turning them into something actionable. That’s why we’re launching Wayfinder Reads, a monthly blog series where we’ll review great business books and translate their insights into practical steps you can take for your practice.
We’re kicking things off with a book that challenges the very way we think: Adam Grant’s Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know.
Why Think Again Matters
Grant’s book is a call to rethink how we approach decisions, beliefs, and the way we run our businesses. It’s not about throwing everything out the window; it’s about being willing to question the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset. For private practices—where tradition often reigns—it’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the best solutions come when we’re open to seeing things differently.
Grant dives into the idea that being wrong isn’t a failure—it’s an opportunity to learn. That’s not always easy, especially in healthcare, where change can feel overwhelming or risky. But the truth is, practices that can adapt and rethink are the ones that thrive.
How Practices Can Apply the Lessons of Think Again
Here’s what stood out to me as I read, and how you can apply Grant’s wisdom to your practice:
1. Trade “Preacher, Prosecutor, and Politician” Thinking for Curiosity
Grant talks about how we often default to three roles when defending our ideas:
Preachers: We insist our way is right.
Prosecutors: We tear apart opposing views.
Politicians: We try to win people over without rethinking our own stance.
In your practice, this might look like holding onto outdated processes or resisting new ideas because they challenge the norm.
How to Apply It:
Foster curiosity in your team by encouraging open conversations about what’s working and what’s not.
Try an experiment: At your next staff meeting, ask each team member to share one process they think could be improved. Then, brainstorm solutions together without dismissing any idea outright.
2. Practical Ways to Refine and Automate
Grant suggests adopting the mindset of a scientist: testing hypotheses, gathering data, and being willing to change course when the evidence points elsewhere.
In your practice, this could mean rethinking patient flow, billing processes, or how you schedule appointments.
How to Apply It:
Choose one area of your practice to examine. For example, if no-shows are a recurring issue, gather data on when they happen most and test solutions like text reminders or flexible rescheduling policies.
Frame changes as experiments rather than permanent shifts. This reduces resistance and encourages staff to engage in the process.
3. Build a Culture of Psychological Safety
One of the biggest barriers to rethinking is fear—fear of being wrong, fear of speaking up, fear of change. Grant emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to share ideas and challenge the status quo.
How to Apply It:
During team meetings, normalize phrases like, “What am I missing?” or “What do you think could be better?”
Celebrate when someone challenges an idea—even if it’s yours. Highlight how rethinking leads to growth.
4. Stop Clinging to Best Practices That No Longer Work
In healthcare, best practices often feel sacred. But what worked five years ago may no longer be effective in today’s environment. Grant reminds us that clinging to outdated methods can hold us back.
How to Apply It:
Reevaluate long-standing processes. For example, if your patient scheduling system is clunky or frustrating for staff, it might be time to upgrade—even if it’s been in place forever.
Involve your team in this process. They’re often the ones closest to the pain points and can offer valuable insights.
What This Means for Your Practice
Reading Think Again reinforced something we already believe at Wayfinder: growth comes from courage. It takes courage to question the way things have always been done, to acknowledge when something isn’t working, and to try something new. But that courage is what leads to better patient care, stronger teams, and practices that thrive.
As we head into a new year, I challenge you to rethink one area of your practice. Maybe it’s how you handle patient intake, how your team communicates, or even how you approach your own leadership. Start small, but start somewhere.
At Wayfinder, we’re here to help you navigate that journey. Whether it’s rethinking workflows, solving billing challenges, or supporting your team, we’re all about helping practices grow in meaningful ways.
We can’t wait to dive into more transformative ideas together. For next month, we’ll be reading Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg. In the meantime, let us know—what’s one thing you’re rethinking in your practice this month?
Here’s to rethinking and growing together.
Warmly,
Amy
