Brené and Adam Grant on Rewarding Effort With Time - Dare to Lead with Brené Brown Recap

Podcast: Dare to Lead with Brené Brown

Published: 2025-10-22

Duration: 35 min

Summary

In this episode, Brené Brown and Adam Grant discuss the importance of recognizing effort while also focusing on mastery and outcomes. They advocate for rewarding effort with time and coaching rather than just grades or dismissal.

What Happened

Brené Brown and Adam Grant open the episode discussing the concept of rewarding effort, particularly in educational settings. Adam shares a surprising experience he had while teaching an MBA course, where students expressed dissatisfaction with their grades, arguing they didn’t reflect the effort they had put in. This prompted Adam to reflect on the implications of such a mindset, particularly how it diverges from the traditional grading system that emphasizes excellence over sheer effort.

As the conversation unfolds, Adam points out that while praising effort can be beneficial, it can also lead to a misunderstanding of growth mindset principles. He emphasizes that it’s essential to praise effort that leads to progress rather than effort in isolation. Brené adds to this by suggesting that leaders should reward effort with their time, using coaching as a tool to help individuals who are working hard but not achieving desired outcomes. She highlights the need for leaders to invest time in understanding why a person’s efforts aren’t translating into results, rather than simply judging based on outcomes alone.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What was the origin of Adam Grant's op-ed about effort?

Adam Grant discusses how his op-ed titled 'No, You Don't Get an A for Effort' originated from his experience teaching a week-long MBA course. He received numerous grade complaints from students who felt their grades didn’t reflect the effort they had put in. This led him to question why they expected to be rewarded for hard work rather than mastery.

How does Adam Grant define the difference between effort and excellence?

Adam explains that while it’s important to recognize effort, grading should focus on excellence and mastery. He mentions that simply rewarding effort can lead to students misunderstanding growth mindset principles, where they believe effort alone is sufficient without considering the effectiveness of their strategies.

What does Brené Brown suggest leaders should do when they see effort?

Brené suggests that when leaders observe effort, they should not equate it with success or excellence, but instead invest their time in coaching. She highlights the importance of understanding why someone’s hard work may not lead to desired results and helping them find more effective strategies.

What are the potential pitfalls of praising effort excessively?

Adam warns that over-praising effort can lead to a culture where students or employees believe they should be rewarded merely for trying hard, without addressing the effectiveness of their actions. This can create a disconnect between inputs and outputs, leading to frustration and stagnation.

How can effort be effectively rewarded in educational settings?

According to Brené, effort should be rewarded with time and coaching rather than grades alone. This means engaging with students or employees who are putting in significant effort and helping them understand how to channel that energy into more productive outcomes. Rewarding effort with time fosters a supportive environment that encourages growth.