SPOS #942 – Michael Norton On Rituals And Habits

07/28/24 • 69 min

1 Listener

Welcome to episode #942 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #942. Harvard Business School professor, Michael Norton, knows a thing or two about human behavior. His research dives deep into behavioral economics and well-being, covering everything from happiness and spending to the fascinating world of rituals. Michael’s work has been spotlighted in major media outlets and his TED Talk, How To Buy Happiness, has racked up close to 5 million views. He’s also known for his co-authored book, Happy Money - The Science of Happier Spending. Now, he's back with his latest book, The Ritual Effect. In our conversation, Michael explores the impact of rituals in our daily lives and the broader implications for businesses and society. Michael explains that while habits are the repetitive tasks we perform automatically, rituals are those same tasks imbued with intention and meaning. This shift from a “habitual” mindset to a “ritual” mindset can transform mundane activities into something much more significant. We touch on the distinction between habits and rituals, and how rituals, unlike habits, add depth and color to our lives. Michael shares insights from The Ritual Effect, where he uncovers how rituals help heal communities, mark life’s major transitions, and even drive sports fans to a frenzy. Michael emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives and the role of rituals in creating a sense of purpose and connection. We also discuss the practical aspects of rituals and how they can be used to enhance both personal and professional lives. Michael's research shows that rituals, whether they're as simple as the way we savor a beverage or as complex as family traditions during holidays, bring surprising satisfaction and enjoyment. The Ritual Effect is a compelling reminder of the power of intention-filled acts and their impact on human behavior and our business. Whether you're looking to add more meaning to your daily routines or understand the deeper significance of rituals and how they impact your work, Michael's insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can live and work more purposefully. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 1:09:20.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.
Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Michael Norton.
The Ritual Effect.
Happy Money - The Science of Happier Spending.
Michael’s TED Talk: How To Buy Happiness.
Follow Michael on LinkedIn.
Follow Michael on X.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Takeaways

Rituals are different from habits in that they involve a deeper level of thought and meaning.
Rituals can be found in various domains of life, from religious ceremonies to everyday activities like drinking coffee.
Rituals can enhance our emotional experiences and add richness to our lives.
Superstitions are a subset of rituals and are often associated with avoiding something bad.
Rituals can be both unifying and divisive, depending on how they are perceived and practiced.
Taking an inventory of our rituals can help us recognize their presence in our lives and potentially add more meaning and emotion to them.
Rituals have the power to create meaning, build connections, and shape our behavior.
Organizations should deliver on their promises and create meaningful experiences to build loyalty and engagement.
Rituals play a significa...

Welcome to episode #942 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Running time: 1:09:20.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.
Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Michael Norton.
The Ritual Effect.
Happy Money - The Science of Happier Spending.
Michael’s TED Talk: How To Buy Happiness.
Follow Michael on LinkedIn.
Follow Michael on X.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Takeaways

Rituals are different from habits in that they involve a deeper level of thought and meaning.
Rituals can be found in various domains of life, from religious ceremonies to everyday activities like drinking coffee.
Rituals can enhance our emotional experiences and add richness to our lives.
Superstitions are a subset of rituals and are often associated with avoiding something bad.
Rituals can be both unifying and divisive, depending on how they are perceived and practiced.
Taking an inventory of our rituals can help us recognize their presence in our lives and potentially add more meaning and emotion to them.
Rituals have the power to create meaning, build connections, and shape our behavior.
Organizations should deliver on their promises and create meaningful experiences to build loyalty and engagement.
Rituals play a significa...

Previous Episode

SPOS #941 – Alex Edmans On How Our Biases Cause Us To Fall For Misinformation (And How To Combat It)

Welcome to episode #941 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #941. He is a finance professor at London Business School, and Alex Edmans knows his stuff. With a background that spans Morgan Stanley and a PhD from MIT, Alex's insights on corporate finance, responsible business, and behavioral finance are top-notch. He's a TED talk star, with millions of views, and his research has been featured everywhere from the World Economic Forum to the UK Parliament. In our conversation, Alex dives into his latest book, May Contain Lies - How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases – And What We Can Do About It (he is also the author of Grow The Pie and Principles of Corporate Finance). We explore the tricky terrain of our post-truth world and the fine line between fact and fiction and conspiracy theories. Alex breaks down the role of statistical significance and why simple messages can be so appealing — and misleading. It's not just about the facts... it's about how they get twisted. We also tackle the financial incentives that drive misinformation. Alex is big on critical thinking and urges us all to look beyond the surface. He explains the ladder of mis-inference, making it clear why we need to understand the differences between statements, facts, data, and evidence. We get into the weeds about peer review in academic research and the biases that can creep in. Alex talks about the internet's role in spreading misinformation and how social media can create echo chambers. He’s all about teaching critical thinking early and often. I loved reading May Contain Lies... and it really is more than just a book - it's a guide to navigating the murky waters of modern information. Alex uses real-world examples to show how biases distort our views and decision-making. He offers practical tips to cut through the noise and think smarter. So, if you're tired of being misled and want to make better decisions (and, who isn’t always fooled by “facts”?), take a listen. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 1:00:43.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.
Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Alex Edmans.
May Contain Lies - How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases – And What We Can Do About It.
Grow The Pie.
Principles of Corporate Finance.
Follow Alex on LinkedIn.
Follow Alex on X.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Takeaways

The concept of a post-truth world goes beyond the question of whether something is factually true or not. It also includes the potential for misleading inferences drawn from accurate information.
Statistical significance can help evaluate the reliability of claims, but it is important to consider the broader context and potential biases in interpreting the results.
Simplistic messages that align with people's pre-existing views are more likely to be accepted and shared, even if they lack scientific rigor or evidence.
The prevalence of misinformation is driven by financial incentives and the desire for quick fixes and easy solutions.
While misinformation poses challenges, there are also opportunities for more nuanced and informed discussions, particularly among open-minded individuals who value scientific consensus.
AI can be both a solution and a problem in a...

Next Episode

SPOS #943 – Stephen Shedletzky On Speak-Up Culture

Welcome to episode #943 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #943. My friend, Stephen Shedletzky (everyone calls him Shed) is on a mission to revolutionize how leaders listen and how organizations function. With a career dedicated to fostering environments where voices are heard and valued, Shed's journey began with a jarring experience at his first corporate job, where he witnessed the devastating effects of poor leadership and a lack of psychological safety firsthand. This formative experience ignited his passion for creating workplaces where people feel safe to speak up. In his book, Speak-Up Culture - When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up, Shed dives deep into the nuances of building a culture that encourages open communication. He emphasizes that a speak-up culture isn't about constantly voicing opinions but about ensuring it's safe and worthwhile for individuals to share their ideas, feedback, and concerns. During our conversation, Shed shares insights from his extensive experience working with leaders to develop these environments. He highlighted the critical role of humility, respect, and emotional intelligence in leadership, and how these values can transform an organization's culture. Shed’s work with Simon Sinek and his global team has equipped him with unique insights into leadership and culture. He has seen how leaders who genuinely listen and create spaces for dialogue can foster innovation, safety, and high performance. Speak-Up Culture is a practical guide for leaders at all levels, from senior executives to aspiring leaders. It offers strategies to create environments where people feel heard and valued, leading to better organizational outcomes. The book is a testament to Shed’s belief that great leadership involves more than just strategic thinking — it's about creating a culture where every team member feels empowered to contribute to the organization's success. In our conversation, we delved into the challenges of fostering a speak-up culture in today's climate, where fear and anxiety can stifle open communication. Shed shares his thoughts on the importance of feedback, the delicate balance between happiness and fulfillment, and the need for leaders to remain humble and open to feedback. We also touched on the evolving nature of workplaces, particularly with the rise of remote and hybrid work, and the importance of finding new ways to maintain connection and serendipity. By embracing the principles outlined in his book, leaders can transform their organizations and create a better version of humanity. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 1:02:38.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.
Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Stephen Shedletzky.
Speak-Up Culture - When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up.
Follow Shed on LinkedIn.
Follow Shed on Instagram.
Follow Shed on X.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Takeaways

Creating a speak up culture is about making it safe and worth it for people to share their ideas, feedback, concerns, and mistakes.
A speak up culture is not about speaking up all the time, but about creating an environment where it is safe and encouraged to speak up.
In the current cultural climate, it is important to have more humility, forgiveness, and space for dialogue.
Cultures can change based on who is leading them, and it is important for leaders to create an environment where respectful disagreement and debate are encouraged.
The shift towards remote and hybrid work requires finding new ways to create moments of serendipity and connection.
Encouraging people to speak up and rewarding them for doing so are key actions in creating a speak up c...