Overcoming Intellectual Fragility in the Workplace

While teaching in the years following the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, I observed a troubling shift in classroom dynamics. Students who had once eagerly engaged in vibrant Socratic discussions suddenly seemed reluctant to debate or challenge ideas—both mine and their peers'. What had previously been intellectually stimulating environments transformed into cautious spaces where critical thinking appeared to take a backseat to comfort and consensus. In today's rapidly changing business environment, the ability to adapt, learn, and grow intellectually is more crucial than ever. Yet, many organizations struggle with what experts call "intellectual fragility" — a condition where employees and leaders resist new ideas, avoid intellectual challenges, and react defensively to criticism or feedback.