85 pages • 2-hour read
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
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Discussion Questions
General Impressions
Invite readers to reflect on their broad takeaways and initial reactions to the book.
1. Gladwell proposes that quick, unconscious decisions can be surprisingly positive. Did this resonate with you, or did it feel counterintuitive based on your beliefs about decision-making?
2. How did Blink compare to other popular psychology you’ve read on this topic, such as Thinking, Fast and Slow? Did Gladwell’s narrative style help make complex ideas more accessible or feel too simplified?
3. Of all the case studies—like the kouros statue or Gottman’s marriage analysis—which example most influenced your thinking about how you make decisions?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Help readers relate the book’s lessons to their own life experiences.
1. Can you think of a time when your gut instinct helped you make a great choice? What factors influenced the outcome?
2. The Warren Harding error describes how we’re drawn to appearances when making judgments. Have you ever made assumptions based on someone’s looks or presentation that turned out to be wrong?
3. Has this book made you more or less trusting of your intuition? In what areas of your life—work, relationships, safety—do you feel confident using it?
4. The implicit bias tests discussed in the book can reveal surprising results. What thoughts or feelings came up for you when considering your own unconscious associations?
5. Are you more of a deliberator or a snap decision-maker? After reading Blink, has your perspective on either approach changed?
Real-World Relevance
Encourage readers to think about the book’s role in current social, cultural, or professional conversations.
1. How do Gladwell’s findings around bias and split-second judgment apply to professional settings like hiring or education? Where do you see the need for awareness or reform?
2. Does Blink still feel relevant to ongoing conversations about race, perception, and justice? What does this say about society’s progress (or lack thereof) in addressing these issues?
3. What lessons can be drawn from Blink for leadership in high-stakes environments such as healthcare, aviation, or emergency services, where both speed and accuracy are critical?
Practical Applications
Invite readers to consider how they might put the book’s advice into action.
1. If you were designing a training program to improve people’s ability to make fair, fast decisions, what practices would you include? Think about building awareness of both instinct and bias.
2. What changes could you make to your own environment—at work, at home, or in social settings—that might help reduce unhelpful snap judgments or encourage deeper thinking before acting?
3. Think of a team or organization you’re part of. How could you apply insights from Blink to improve communication, conflict resolution, or leadership?
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