SHOW NOTES

309: Want a secret weapon to build your influence? Connect with your adversary

Guest: Dr. Deb Mashek, social psychologist, and author  of “CollaborHATE: How to Build Incredible Collaborative Relationships at Work (Even if you would rather work alone)

THIS WEEK’S TOPIC:

What if the key to solving our biggest problems lies in working with the people who drive us crazy? It sounds counterintuitive, even uncomfortable, but that’s the provocative idea we’re exploring this week. This episode isn’t about simply tolerating different perspectives; it’s about actively seeking them out and recognizing their potential to spark innovation and drive progress. Host Laura Cox Kaplan is joined by social psychologist Dr. Deb Mashek who reveals why those uncomfortable, politically charged conversations are often the ones we need to be having most. She offers practical strategies for navigating them with curiosity and humility.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S GUEST:

Dr. Deborah Mashek is the author of “CollaborHATE,” a book that explores the necessity of creating collaborative relationships, even for those who prefer to work independently. Her intellectual journey—from noticing early gaps in viewpoint diversity in academia to becoming the first executive director of Heterodox Academy—reflects a lifelong commitment to fostering open dialogue and viewpoint diversity. Deb’s background in social psychology uniquely positions her to provide practical and theoretical perspectives on effective collaboration in professional and educational settings.

 

KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

COLLABORATION IN THE WORKPLACE:

Ditch the “toxic positivity” around collaboration! Dr. Mashek exposes the common misconceptions and challenges of working together, offering practical tips for creating environments where diverse ideas clash (respectfully, of course!) and constructive debates lead to breakthrough solutions.

THE SURPRISING POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS:

Strong relationships aren’t just nice to have; they’re the foundation for influence and innovation. Deb shares compelling stories that reveal how genuine connection can unlock collaboration and drive success.

WHY VIEWPOINT DIVERSITY MATTERS:

Discover why embracing different perspectives is crucial in education, the workplace, and beyond. Learn how to cultivate intellectual humility and create spaces where diverse ideas can thrive.

OVERCOMING COLLABORATION HURDLES:

Trust violations, competitive behaviors, misaligned reward systems—collaboration comes with its challenges. Learn practical strategies for navigating these hurdles and building a truly collaborative culture.

THE UNEXPECTED MAGIC OF CONFLICT:

Conflict isn’t the enemy of collaboration; it’s often the catalyst for growth. Discover how productive tension and healthy debate can lead to better solutions and deeper engagement.

LET’S CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:

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LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 309:

CollaborHATE by Dr. Deb Mashek

Heterodox Academy

 

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