Rory Sutherland, Gerald Ashley & Paul Craven at Abbey Road Part Two
Jul 23, 2023
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Behavioural Science gurus Rory Sutherland, Gerald Ashley, and Paul Craven explore the influence of individuals on trends and the adoption of new technologies. They discuss super-spreaders, the impact of fashion icons, and the challenges faced by electric vehicles. The speakers also reflect on government decisions during the pandemic, perceptions of monarchy, and the importance of owning a phrase in marketing.
Efficiency and optimization can hinder innovation and creative thinking.
Relying solely on reason as a precursor for decision-making can hinder progress and innovation.
Deep dives
The importance of cognitive diversity in decision-making
Efficiency and optimization can hinder innovation and creative thinking. A diverse mix of backgrounds and personalities is crucial for decision-making, as different perspectives and experiences can lead to more innovative solutions. The business world, as well as politics, often falls into the efficiency trap, tending to favor homogeneity and a singular way of thinking. However, embracing cognitive diversity can result in better outcomes and prevent groupthink.
The limitations of relying solely on reason
Relying solely on reason as a precursor for decision-making can hinder progress and innovation. Some decisions are not purely logical and require intuition, observation, and creative thinking. The need for certainty and legibility can lead to over-optimized solutions based on past experiences, preventing exploration of new ideas. By embracing uncertainty and valuing a variety of perspectives, we can foster a more open and innovative environment.
The dangers of over-optimization and efficiency
Over-optimization and excessive focus on efficiency can stifle innovation and limit new ideas. The quest for efficiency often leads to a narrow focus on known variables and established practices. An obsession with optimization can discourage experimentation and the pursuit of unproven ideas. It is important to strike a balance between efficiency and the need for exploration and creativity in order to foster innovation.
The necessity of challenging established norms
Challenging established norms and questioning prevailing wisdom is crucial for progress. In various fields, including science, politics, and business, clinging to traditional practices can hinder growth and innovation. Rigid adherence to established methods prevents exploration of new possibilities. Encouraging an open-minded and questioning approach allows for the emergence of fresh ideas and unconventional solutions.
Why do some people become ‘super spreaders’ for fashions and ideas? Why might an acceptance letter from a top University be worth more than a degree from the same establishment? These and many more questions are answered in this episode.
My guests are Behavioural Science gurus Paul Craven, Rory Sutherland and Gerald Ashley and this is Part Two of a three part series recorded at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.
To find out more about my book ‘Humanizing Rules: Bringing Behavioural Science to Ethics & Compliance’ and to read the first few chapters for free: www.humanizingrules.com
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