logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
37m 17s

WorkLife: The importance of validation w...

TED
About this episode

Seeking acceptance is a natural part of the human experience — but do you know how to dish it out? Clinical psychologist Caroline Fleck believes that validating others is a key to building stronger relationships. She and Adam discuss strategies for recognizing another person’s feelings, the distinction between empathetic validation and exaggerated praise, and why sometimes saying less is more.


For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAGscripts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcripts


For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch.


Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:

TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou

TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-vienna


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
ReThinking: What we’re getting wrong about mental health with RaQuel Hopkins
RaQuel Hopkins is a therapist and HR professional whose hot takes on growth and well-being have challenged how many people talk and think about mental health. In this episode, Adam and RaQuel explore how some people use mental health labels as a crutch, discuss ways to expand our ... Show More
33m 53s
Sep 30
ReThinking: Brené Brown on courageous leadership
Brené Brown is a researcher, storyteller, and author who hosts the podcast Dare to Lead and has given some of the most popular TED Talks of all time. Brené joins Adam live at Authors@Wharton to talk about her new book, Strong Ground. They discuss how to identify your core values, ... Show More
41m 22s
Sep 23
ReThinking: Matthew McConaughey on avoiding cynicism and finding gratitude
Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club, Dazed and Confused, or Interstellar. But he’s not just an actor—he’s also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, teacher, and prolific writer. His second book, Poems and Prayers, was built on decades of his jo ... Show More
34m 41s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 19
1198: Caroline Fleck | Harnessing Validation to Deepen Human Connection
People crave feeling understood, but rarely get it. Here, psychologist Dr. Caroline Fleck breaks down validation science that transforms how we connect!Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1198What We Discuss with Dr. Caroline Fleck:Validation goes ... Show More
1h 29m
Jul 14
The trick to powerful public speaking | from TED Business
Why do so many of us get nervous when public speaking? Communication expert Lawrence Bernstein says the key to dealing with the pressure is as simple as having a casual chat. He introduces the "coffee shop test" as a way to help you overcome nerves, connect with your audience and ... Show More
18m 6s
Oct 2024
Bonus Episode: Fostering Genuine Curiosity and Building Trust at Work
This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Julie Pham.The main points:The importance of authentic curiosity in conversations.The role of psychological safety at work.The need for vulnerability in sharing personal experiences to foster deeper understanding.Thin ... Show More
7m 2s
Jan 2025
"How to Be Enough": Tackling perfectionism and finding self-worth with Dr. Ellen Hendriksen
Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, the original host of Savvy Psychologist, makes her return to the show to discuss her new book How to Be Enough. Monica dives deep with Dr. Hendriksen into the roots of perfectionism, its impact on self-worth, and practical strategies for embracing self-accep ... Show More
29m 12s
Sep 10
Why we need to know our lives matter | Jennifer Wallace
It’s not enough to do important work — we need to know it truly matters, says journalist Jennifer Wallace. Drawing on her research into firefighters, caregivers and more, she shows how simple acts of acknowledgment and connection can fuel our sense of purpose in a world that too ... Show More
14m 8s
Nov 2024
Finding gratitude when you’re just not "feeling it"
It’s that time of year when everyone reminds us to be grateful—but what if you’re not feeling it? Despite its proven benefits, gratitude can be surprisingly challenging to practice. In this episode, Monica dives into why it’s difficult for so many of us to engage with gratitude, ... Show More
9m 56s
Aug 11
How common knowledge shapes the world | Steven Pinker
Common knowledge is the secret engine of social life, letting us coordinate everything from meet-ups to markets to international diplomacy. In this fascinating talk, experimental cognitive scientist Steven Pinker explores its momentous impact, threading together stories of why au ... Show More
15m 20s
Aug 22
Fawning: A Hidden Response to Trauma With Dr. Ingrid Clayton
In this conversation,Trauma psychologist and author Dr. Ingrid Clayton shares her journey of healing from complex trauma and the significance of the fawn response in understanding relational dynamics. She discusses her experiences as a survivor and therapist, emphasizing the impo ... Show More
34m 54s
Aug 11
How common knowledge shapes the world | Steven Pinker
Common knowledge is the secret engine of social life, letting us coordinate everything from meet-ups to markets to international diplomacy. In this fascinating talk, experimental cognitive scientist Steven Pinker explores its momentous impact, threading together stories of why au ... Show More
15m 20s
Sep 10
Why we need to know our lives matter | Jennifer Wallace
It’s not enough to do important work — we need to know it truly matters, says journalist Jennifer Wallace. Drawing on her research into firefighters, caregivers and more, she shows how simple acts of acknowledgment and connection can fuel our sense of purpose in a world that too ... Show More
14m 8s