Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Don Kieffer, a former factory leader and co-author of "There's Got to Be a Better Way," delves into the pitfalls leaders face when relying on common sense. He passionately argues that meetings can be the worst form of organizational abuse, calling for a shift to dynamic work design. By partnering frontline workers with experts, creating visibility in workflows, and experimenting with solutions, organizations can enhance adaptability and efficiency. Kieffer even likens effective teamwork to jazz, where structure and improvisation spark innovation.

Jodi Wellman, author of 'You Only Die Once,' shares her insights on living fully by embracing mortality. She introduces the concept of memento mori, encouraging listeners to prioritize joy and connection over mundane routines. Jodi discusses how awareness and intention can disrupt autopilot living, urging us to view every Monday as a reminder to act with urgency. With a blend of humor and inspiration, she highlights the importance of small, meaningful habits and the value of proactive risk-taking in crafting a vibrant life.

Richard Shotton, a behavioral scientist and author of Hacking the Human Mind, delves into the psychology behind 17 iconic brands like Guinness, Snickers, and Apple. He discusses how the pratfall effect makes brands more relatable and the power of trigger moments in habit formation. Shotton emphasizes that simplifying choices often trumps motivation and reveals how concrete messaging boosts brand recall. He also highlights the illusion of effort as a strategy in luxury branding, providing insights on effective marketing grounded in behavioral science.

Daniel Simons, a psychology professor known for his research on attention and memory, and Christopher Chabris, a decision sciences expert, dive into why we fall for scams. They discuss cognitive biases that make us vulnerable and highlight the importance of targeted skepticism. The duo also shares practical tips for spotting fraud in research and everyday life, emphasizing the value of admitting mistakes for building trust. Plus, they touch on the rise of scientific fraud and modern scam operations, all while keeping it engaging and informative.

Mark Crowley, a former medical doctor turned financial executive and author of The Power of Employee Well-Being, shares insights on leadership driven by care and belonging. He discusses why traditional engagement scores fail, emphasizing the importance of asking how employees feel and fostering genuine care. Crowley highlights belonging as a key driver of wellbeing and performance, debunking myths about leadership being merely transactional. He also provides actionable advice for new managers on building culture through rituals and meaningful connections.

Arie Kruglanski, a distinguished psychologist and professor at the University of Maryland, dives into the powerful role of motivation in our lives. He highlights how the quest for significance drives human behavior, from childhood to adulthood, influencing everything from personal goals to social movements. Kruglanski explains his 3N Model of Radicalization, emphasizing how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations intertwine. He also discusses the need for constructive alternatives to violence and offers hopeful insights on redirecting powerful drives through education.

Cognitive scientist Steve Sloman, author of The Cost of Conviction, delves into how our sacred values shape our decisions and fuel polarization. He reveals that many of our beliefs are borrowed from our communities rather than individually constructed. The discussion highlights the sacred value trap and how reframing conversations can lead to more productive dialogues. Steve explores the contrast between sacred values and consequentialism, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics in politics, business, and personal relationships.

In this engaging discussion, George Loewenstein, a pioneer in behavioral economics from Carnegie Mellon University, dives into the uncharted waters of boredom. He explores how boredom can enhance attention and productivity, especially in workplace settings. Loewenstein shares fascinating insights on curiosity and the dynamics of meetings, advocating for strategies that transform tedium into meaningful engagement. He also connects emotions, flow, and even music, revealing that boredom might be the secret ingredient to unlocking deeper focus and creativity.

Bob Rosen, a psychologist and best-selling author, dives into the pitfalls of perfectionism and its hidden impacts on success. He discusses how attachments often masquerade as virtues, constraining our growth. Topics include the necessity of self-awareness, confronting discomfort, and building trust in hybrid work environments. Bob shares insights on navigating leadership challenges, embracing vulnerability, and accepting life's ups and downs. He encourages listeners to transform their attachments into aspirations for a more fulfilling life.

In this engaging discussion, Andy Luttrell, host of Opinion Science, joins renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman, famed for his pivotal work in behavioral economics. They delve into the skepticism faced by pioneers like Kahneman and Tversky in merging psychology with economics. Explore how cognitive biases shape decision-making, the intriguing journey of behavioral economics from doubt to acceptance, and how collaborative innovation has transformed our understanding of human judgment. Their shared insights make for a thought-provoking and enlightening conversation.