

What Evolutionary Psychology Teaches Us About How To Influence People | Michael Morris
118 snips Dec 9, 2024
Michael Morris, a leadership professor at Columbia Business School and author of "Tribal," explores the dual nature of tribalism. He discusses its evolutionary roots and how it can enhance leadership and collaboration. The conversation emphasizes the significance of cultural psychology in motivating change and the impact of shared rituals in workplace dynamics. Morris highlights the power of symbols in fostering identity and community, while also addressing the dangers of divisive tribal instincts in politics, advocating for constructive dialogue to bridge divides.
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Human Nature and Tribal Instincts
- Human nature is essentially nurture, as we are wired to internalize our community's patterns.
- We enact these patterns to connect, forming tribes based on shared ideas and practices, fostering trust and collaboration.
The Power of the Peer Instinct
- The peer instinct, the first wave, enabled coordinated foraging and hunting, leading to greater economic returns.
- Though sometimes derided, conformity fosters collective innovation and thinking as a group, crucial for human advancement.
The Emergence of the Hero Instinct
- The hero instinct, emerging roughly 500,000 years ago, facilitated pro-social acts like hunting large game and crafting complex tools.
- Individuals contributing to the group gained reputations as heroes, incentivizing adaptation and innovation.