How to Change What’s Not Working & Why Time Seems to Speed Up and Slow Down
Jan 2, 2025
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Dan Heath, a speaker and writer focused on organizational change, joins alongside Steve Taylor, a psychology lecturer and author exploring the perception of time. They discuss how organizations often cling to outdated practices and strategies for initiating effective change. Heath shares insights on identifying 'leverage points' to break free from complacency. Taylor dives into the fascinating topic of time perception, revealing how our experiences can stretch or compress time, especially during intense moments like accidents or thrilling events.
Airplane air filtration systems are effective, but touching surfaces poses a greater risk for illness during flights.
Resistance to change within organizations stems from traditional practices, hindering employee motivation and innovation in problem-solving.
Our perception of time is subjective, significantly influenced by engagement levels in activities, making experiences feel faster or slower.
Deep dives
Staying Healthy While Flying
Travelers often worry about falling ill during air travel, but the cleanliness of airplane air is not the primary concern. Research indicates that the air onboard is actually cleaner than that in many public spaces due to efficient HEPA filters and air circulation systems. Instead, the surfaces passengers touch present a greater risk for germs. To minimize sickness, it is advisable to wash hands frequently and wipe down surfaces, especially when boarding an aircraft, where close proximity to others increases the likelihood of contagion.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Organizations frequently struggle with change due to a reluctance to embrace new ideas, leaving employees feeling demotivated. This resistance can manifest as repeated rejections of innovative proposals, leading to frustration and stagnation. Dan Heath, a noted speaker and author, highlights examples such as a hospital's delivery system, which was inefficient due to entrenched practices. By bringing in new perspectives and actively listening to employees’ insights, organizations can identify systemic flaws and find innovative solutions to improve operations.
The Power of Bright Spots
To effectively instigate change, individuals and organizations should focus on 'bright spots,' or instances of success, instead of solely concentrating on problems. Dan Heath illustrates this concept with the story of a troubled student whose behavior improved when teachers adopted strategies from a successful classroom. By identifying and implementing what works well, organizations can create positive change and improve overall performance. Celebrating small victories often inspires broader organizational transformation and motivates employees.
Perception of Time
People’s perception of time can vary dramatically based on their experiences and mental states. Engaging in new activities or environments tends to slow down the perception of time, while monotonous routines can make time feel as if it speeds up. Time is perceived differently in stressful situations or when feelings of boredom arise, as people become hyper-aware of their surroundings and thoughts. Understanding that time is subjective can empower individuals to reframe their experiences and create fulfilling lives filled with memorable moments.
The Art of Squinching for Better Photos
When it comes to appearing photogenic, the technique of 'squinching' can significantly enhance one's facial expression in pictures. Developed by photographer Peter Hurley, squinching involves a subtle squint that creates a look of confidence while avoiding the overly dramatic appearance of a full squint. This technique is achieved by using cheek muscles rather than the forehead, leading to a more natural expression. Learning to squinch can improve how individuals present themselves in photographs, making them look more poised and self-assured.
One fear many air travelers have is catching a cold or some other bug when they fly on an airplane. Why is it that a lot of people seem to get sick on a flight? Is it the air in the plane or maybe it's the bathrooms? Listen as I explain what the most common cause of getting sick is and how to protect yourself. https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/avoid-getting-sick-while-flying/
We often do things because – well, that’s the way we do things. Organizations are often very resistant to change and stay stuck in procedures and processes because that’s just the way they are done – even if they are not working very well. When you think about it, it doesn’t make any sense but nevertheless, that’s the way it is. Dan Heath has examined this phenomenon and what he found will fascinate you – and help you figure ways to do things better for yourself or your organization. Dan has been a frequent guest here and has written some great books over the years. His latest is called Reset: How to Change What's Not Working (https://amzn.to/3DCbB4E)
Have you ever noticed how time tends to speed up when you are having fun and slow down when you are doing something unpleasant or boring? It’s weird because objectively we know that time moves at a constant speed – or does it? Is the way we measure time just arbitrary? Can we and do we experience time at different rates? For example, people often claim that when they are in a car accident, time slows down as if it occurs in slow motion. What is that? Here to explore this with me is Steve Taylor, PhD. He is a senior lecturer and researcher in psychology at Leeds Beckett University and he is author of the book Time Expansion Experiences: The Psychology of Time Perception and the Illusion of Linear Time (https://amzn.to/4gNpvzz)
How many times have you looked at photos of yourself and been unhappy with the way you look? Well, there is something you can do with your face that will make you look better in any photo. It’s called the squinch and it was developed by legendary photographer Peter Hurley. Listen as I explain how to squinch. There is also a YouTube video that demonstrates it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff7nltdBCHs
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