Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Muriel Wilkins, an executive coach and author of Leadership Unblocked, explores the hidden beliefs that limit leadership potential. She discusses how early life experiences shape our internal blockers and emphasizes the importance of curiosity in achieving self-awareness. Muriel argues that leadership growth comes from expanding one’s mindset rather than changing it. She also highlights the value of defining personal success and navigating the inevitable pain of leadership while minimizing unnecessary suffering.

Explore the fun tension between rapid change and the fear of stagnation. Discover how small, everyday shifts can lead to significant transformation over time. The Pygmalion Effect reveals how our expectations can elevate performance. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can broaden your horizons. Delve into the art of goal-setting, balancing past experiences with future aspirations. Learn why the right difficulty level for goals is key to staying motivated, turning failures into steps on the journey toward your ultimate dreams.

Jens Ludwig, a professor at the University of Chicago and director of the Crime Lab, takes us on a riveting journey into the real roots of violence. He debunks the myth of 'bad people' by discussing how ordinary individuals make split-second decisions under pressure. Ludwig emphasizes the impact of the environment, showcasing how pocket parks and visible community presence can drastically cut crime rates. He also explores the importance of metacognition and education as tools for reducing impulsive violence, offering hope and practical solutions for safer neighborhoods.

Explore the fascinating psychology of gratitude and how it enhances well-being, from boosting happiness to improving relationships. Delve into the reasons many struggle to express appreciation, including miscalibrated expectations and the belief that others can intuit our feelings. Discover practical tips like journaling and making gratitude specific to deepen connections. Learn why expressing thanks in person amplifies emotional bonds and consider opening conversations this Thanksgiving by highlighting what you appreciate in others.

Margaret Andrews, a Harvard instructor and author of 'Manage Yourself to Lead Others,' shares her insights on effective leadership. She emphasizes that self-awareness is crucial for leaders, discussing how blind spots can hinder growth. Emotional intelligence is unpacked as a development tool, not just niceness. Margaret also introduces the 'best boss' exercise, demonstrating the importance of interpersonal skills. She offers advice for new managers, focusing on aligning intentions with actions, while sharing the value of introspection and team charters to enhance culture.

Economist Corinne Low, author of *Having It All*, explores the stalled gender revolution. She discusses how, despite women thriving in the workforce, men's household roles remain largely unchanged since the 1970s. Corinne introduces the concept of 'having it almost' to describe the pressures women face. She advocates for better parental leave, equitable distribution of household tasks, and the need for structural changes to support family life. The conversation also highlights how cultural shifts and identity transformation are essential for progress.

Mark Matson, a financial advisor and author, delves into the concept of the American Dream, suggesting it's more about mindset than material wealth. He discusses the cognitive biases that often lead investors to sabotage their own success. Mark advocates for purpose-driven financial planning and emphasizes the importance of defining 'enough.' He shares rules for smarter investing that focus on discipline and diversification, while also addressing the balance between personal responsibility and systemic challenges in achieving financial well-being.

Mikael Klintman, a sociologist and author of "Framing: The Social Art of Influence," dives into the powerful concept of framing. He explains how subtle shifts in language can change our perceptions in politics and everyday conversations. Mikael contrasts rough versus smooth framing techniques and discusses how expanding our frames can foster social connections. He also shares insights on how framing affects cultural norms and even music experiences. Tune in for valuable lessons on recognizing and leveraging framing in your life!

Dive into the spooky side of cognitive biases just in time for Halloween! Discover how confirmation bias can fuel conspiracy theories, and learn about the planning fallacy that leads to perpetual project delays. Explore the fundamental attribution error and why we misjudge others' actions. Unpack survivorship bias, which often mistakes success for mere skill, and laugh at the Dunning-Kruger effect, where the less skilled overestimate their abilities. Awareness is your secret weapon against these tricks!

This Halloween special explores the intriguing world of superstitions. Discover why we cling to rituals like knocking on wood and wearing lucky socks. The hosts dissect the psychological need for control and how these beliefs can both stress and support us. Learn how superstitions can improve performance but also lead to magical thinking. They even draw connections to Stevie Wonder's wisdom. Curiosity about our rituals is encouraged for a more balanced approach, especially in an age where AI might introduce new superstitions.