The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics

Dr. Polly Kang, a postdoctoral scholar at INSEAD, discusses her groundbreaking research on the 'streak end rule' and its effects on workplace motivation and job satisfaction. She reveals how reordering tasks can significantly decrease employee turnover—by up to 22%! Polly emphasizes the importance of balancing challenging and enjoyable tasks and shares insights from a study on a crisis hotline. Her findings provide practical strategies for organizations to enhance job design without resorting to financial incentives, leading to happier, more committed employees.

Discover how mental clutter impacts decision-making and leads to poor choices. Explore the fascinating 'chocolate cake study' that illustrates the effects of cognitive overload. Learn practical decluttering strategies for your workspace and digital life, including the effective KonMari method. Dive into productivity tools like Trello, Gantt charts, and Gmail's Snooze function to enhance focus. Uncover how organizing your mind can boost productivity and improve overall well-being.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School and author of "Inspire," shares vital insights on leadership. He introduces the "leader amplification effect," highlighting how leaders' words and actions profoundly influence their followers. Adam discusses inspiring leadership traits such as being a visionary, exemplar, and mentor.Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the importance of reflection and gratitude, emphasizing that small behavioral changes can significantly enhance leadership effectiveness, fostering a positive growth environment.

Madeline Quinlan, a behavioral scientist and co-founder of Salient, shares her fascinating journey from finance to behavioral science. She emphasizes the power of reframing failure as a learning opportunity. The discussion dives into integrating qualitative and quantitative research for effective behavioral interventions, highlighting the need for personalized approaches in understanding consumer behavior. Madeline also addresses the significance of identifying the right problems before applying behavioral insights, shedding light on innovative techniques developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Sunita Sah, a physician turned organizational psychologist from Cornell University, dives into her book, 'Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes.' She highlights the critical role of defiance in maintaining personal integrity, exploring the psychological dynamics of compliance, especially in healthcare. Sunita introduces the concept of 'insinuation anxiety' and the 'defiance compass' to help guide ethical decisions. Listeners will discover how embracing responsibility can transform decision-making and foster a culture of safe dissent.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Vanessa Patrick, a marketing professor and bestselling author, explores the empowering art of saying no. She dives into the psychological barriers that lead us to say yes when we want to refuse, emphasizing the need for personal policies. Vanessa introduces her ART framework—Awareness, Rules, and Totality of Self—to help listeners cultivate boundaries. Discover how declaring 'I don’t' instead of 'I can’t' can transform decision-making and promote personal and professional fulfillment.

Chase Jarvis, an award-winning artist and entrepreneur, shares insights from his book 'Never Play It Safe,' focusing on leveraging intrinsic tools for a fulfilling life. He discusses seven essential tools like attention, failure, and practice. Chase emphasizes the power of constraints in enhancing creativity and encourages listeners to embrace failure as a part of growth. Personal anecdotes highlight the importance of pursuing true passions and transforming everyday tasks into joyful experiences, urging everyone to step outside societal expectations.

Dive into the psychology behind New Year’s resolutions and the reasons why we struggle with commitment. Explore time discounting and anticipated regret, crucial factors that affect decision-making. Uncover the dual nature of willpower, likening it to both a depleting battery and a growing snowball. Discover practical strategies for setting attainable goals and the importance of small, manageable changes. Also, learn how these insights can help businesses better engage with customers.

In this engaging discussion, Jodi Wellman, author of "You Only Die Once" and a passionate advocate for living fully, shares her insights on making the most of our limited time. She explores how embracing mortality can inspire meaningful living rather than fear. Jodi introduces the concept of "4,000 Mondays," reminding us to pursue dreams without regrets. With lively anecdotes, she discusses the importance of prioritizing what truly matters, overcoming inertia, and making small changes that lead to a vibrant, fulfilling life.

Dan Pink, renowned author of Drive and The Power of Regret, discusses how embracing regret can be a positive force. He reveals insights from his research, including the American Regret Project, and outlines four core categories of regret: foundational, boldness, moral, and connection. As the New Year approaches, Dan encourages listeners to reflect on their past regrets to clarify values and guide future decisions. He emphasizes using regret as a tool for personal growth and better decision-making, transforming what seems negative into an opportunity for self-discovery.