HBR IdeaCast Is Cynicism Ruining Your Organization?
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Aug 2, 2022 
Jamil Zaki, a Stanford associate professor of psychology, dives into the unsettling rise of workplace cynicism and its toxic impact on productivity and morale. He discusses the alarming findings from the 2022 Trust Barometer, revealing that nearly 60% of people default to distrust. Zaki highlights the difference between healthy skepticism and detrimental cynicism, offering strategies to transform workplace culture through hope and trust-building. His insights illuminate how fostering a positive environment can ultimately lead to better outcomes for organizations.
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Cynicism Defined
- Cynicism is a theory about the world, specifically that people are selfish, greedy, and dishonest.
- This leads to distrust and attributing ulterior motives to others' actions.
Skepticism vs. Cynicism
- Skepticism, unlike cynicism, involves testing the waters to determine trustworthiness.
- Cynics blindly mistrust, similar to how gullible people blindly trust.
Cynicism's Impact
- Cynicism negatively impacts health, relationships, and workplaces, decreasing morale and efficiency.
- It also increases transaction costs due to lack of trust.