I recently read Mindstuck by Michael McQueen, and it’s a genuinely great read. If you get the chance, it’s also well worth listening to his interview on RNZ, loads of fascinating ideas in there.
At its core, the book explores why people are so resistant to change, and how our beliefs are often shaped less by logic and more by identity, instinct, and emotion. It turns out we’re not nearly as rational as we like to think. Most of the time, we’re operating from gut feel rather than careful reasoning.
What I found especially helpful is how practical it gets. McQueen unpacks simple but powerful ways to shift perspectives, things like reframing how ideas are presented, building genuine connection, and leading with empathy rather than trying to “win” an argument.
There’s also a strong thread around dignity. People don’t change when they feel pushed or threatened, they change when they feel understood. That alone is worth the read.
It’s not about manipulation or clever tactics, it’s about understanding people better. Whether in leadership, communication, or everyday conversations, there’s a lot here that sticks.
There was a time when logic and evidence felt like enough to win an argument.
As strategist and author Michael McQueen puts it, "Aristotle would hardly recognise what we now call a debate. In today’s increasingly polarised world, curiosity and open-mindedness seem to be fading, and simply presenting facts rarely shifts anyone’s thinking."
Instead, he suggests we need to relearn how to persuade, not just in business, but in our relationships and everyday conversations.
His book, Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds, is a thoughtful take on how to do exactly that.
By:
Matt Watson
