Dr. Sunita Sah, an expert in defiance and decision-making and author of 'Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes', discusses the art of saying no in a compliance-driven world. She shares insights on the psychology behind defiance and the importance of assessing personal costs when refusing requests. Sunita emphasizes self-talk and the power of the pause to enhance decision-making. The conversation also touches on how fostering a culture of dissent can drive innovation and teamwork in organizations.
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insights INSIGHT
The Psychology of Saying No
Saying no triggers "insinuation anxiety," the fear of implying distrust or incompetence in others.
This makes rejecting requests or expectations psychologically difficult, especially with authority figures.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Five Stages of Defiance
Progress through five stages to defy: feel tension, acknowledge it, vocalize concern, threaten non-compliance, then act.
Each stage builds up your courage and commitment to align actions with values.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Build Defiance Through Practice
Practice defiance by visualizing and scripting responses to past compliance situations.
Frequent practice rewires your brain and builds confidence to defy effectively.
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The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It
Ethan Kross
In *Chatter*, Ethan Kross delves into the silent conversations we have with ourselves, examining how these internal dialogues shape our lives, work, and relationships. Kross, drawing from his own lab research and real-world case studies, explains how negative self-talk (referred to as 'chatter') can have detrimental effects on our health, mood, and social connections. However, he also provides tools and strategies to manage and harness this inner voice positively. These tools include techniques such as zooming out to gain perspective, using the second person to increase psychological distance, and leveraging the power of nature and placebos. The book is a comprehensive guide on how to transform negative self-talk into a constructive and supportive inner voice.
Defy
Sunita Saw
In this episode, Dr. Sunita Sah, expert in defiance and decision-making, shares how to confidently say "no" in challenging situations. Sarah and Sunita dive into the psychology of defiance, discussing how to assess the risks, benefits, and personal costs of speaking up or complying. They explore the power of the "pause" and the importance of third-person self-talk to help make better, more authentic decisions. Whether it's in the workplace or beyond, Sunita provides actionable advice on how to navigate difficult conversations, protect your values, and maintain your well-being.
For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com
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