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

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer and special guest Tim Houlihan open a window into the intriguing world of motivation and incentives. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on the unexpected triumphs of non-monetary rewards over cash, offering compelling evidence from the frontline of employee engagement. 
As they share personal tales and professional insights, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the nuanced ways in which we can all reach our goals more effectively. They challenge traditional wisdom, advocating thoughtful goal-setting and emphasizing the impact of non-monetary recognition on loyalty and drive. This episode invites listeners to rethink what motivates them and provides practical guidance on setting personalized goals. Perfect for anyone interested in applying behavioral science in practical settings, this conversation could change how you approach motivation in both personal and professional landscapes. Tune in for an enlightening exploration of human behavior that will leave you both informed and inspired.
In this episode:
Understand the Power of Motivation and Incentives in the Workplace: Explore the impact of effective motivation and incentives on employee engagement and performance. Harness the Influence of Non-Monetary Rewards on Employee Motivation: Discover how non-monetary rewards can drive employee motivation and lead to improved workplace dynamics. Utilize Behavioral Science to Set Effective Goals: Learn how to apply behavioral science principles to set goals that drive employee productivity and satisfaction. Evaluate the Impact of Incentives on Employee Performance: Gain insight into how incentives can influence and enhance overall employee performance within an organization. Develop Strategies for Personal and Business Goal Setting: Acquire practical strategies for setting impactful personal and business goals that drive success and fulfillment. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces the episode and guest Tim Houlihan, discussing the focus on motivation and incentives in behavioral science.

00:05:38 - Setting BHAGs and Breaking Them Down
Tim and Melina discuss setting big, hairy, audacious goals (BHAGs) and breaking them down into smaller, actionable parts called "bricks."

00:09:08 - Importance of Self-Selected Goals
Tim emphasizes the importance of self-selected goals and the role of visualization in achieving them, discussing the impact of shifting perspectives on goals.

00:11:32 - Virtual Runs and Motivation
Melina shares her experience with virtual runs and the shift in perspective on goal achievement, highlighting the impact of social media on goal commitment and achievement.

00:13:12 - Deadlines and Choice Architecture
Tim and Melina discuss the effectiveness of deadlines in goal achievement and the role of choice architecture in setting specific final objectives while allowing flexibility in execution.

00:15:26 - Individualized Performance Rewards
Rewards were individualized based on performance, leading to a significant 43% improvement in performance compared to general guidelines.

00:16:09 - Penalty for Underachieving
A separate group faced penalties for underachieving and no benefits for overachieving, leading to a more calculative mindset and lack of intrinsic motivation.

00:17:07 - Call Center Environment
The conversation delves into a call center environment, revealing how different personalities approach goals and the impact of choice architecture on performance.

00:19:19 - Context Shaping Decisions
The context, including payment rates and communication of objectives, can shape individuals' decisions and mindset, impacting their approach to achieving goals.

00:23:16 - Time-Sensitive and Measurable Goals
Setting time-sensitive and measurable goals, with a focus on achievable short-term objectives, increases the likelihood of achievement and provides a dopamine spurt for motivation.

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer dive into the fascinating world of apologies with Getting to Sorry coauthors Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy. Discover the transformative power of saying 'I'm sorry' as Marjorie, a seasoned journalist, and Susan, an expert in wildlife behavior, share their insights from their journey with Sorrywatch.com to penning their book. Uncover the art and science behind making and accepting apologies, and why a well-crafted apology can mend bonds and heal wounds. 
Our hosts and the coauthors navigate the delicate balance between public and private apologies, and reflect on personal stories that underline the impact of a genuine apology. Understand how an apology's sincerity can forge pathways to forgiveness, as highlighted in the six key steps to a good apology. With wisdom to offer both the apologizer and the recipient, this episode sheds light on how to effectively address bad apologies and the significance of moving forward after making amends. For a thought-provoking discussion that goes beyond a simple 'sorry', tune into this episode and experience the nuanced dance of contrition and forgiveness.
In this episode:
Master the Art of Crafting Effective Apologies in Business Understand the Psychological Impact of Apologies and Forgiveness Learn the Importance of Public vs Private Apologies in Business Discover the Steps to Make a Sincere Apology in Professional Settings Know How to Respond to Apologies Professionally in Business Interactions Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces the guests Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy, coauthors of Getting to Sorry, and sets the stage for a discussion on the psychology of apologies.

00:02:45 - Passion for Apology
Marjorie and Susan share their passion for the subject of apology, driven by their personal experiences, backgrounds, and a desire to explore the psychology behind apologies.

00:08:34 - Building Sorry Watch
The guests provide insights into building and evolving their business, sorrywatch.com, focusing on the importance of staying true to their passion, pivoting when necessary, and becoming a resource for journalists.

00:14:23 - The Strength of Apology
The conversation delves into the misconception that apologies are a sign of weakness. Marjorie and Susan emphasize that offering a sincere apology is an act of great strength and vulnerability, not cowardice.

00:32:00 - The Etiquette of Apologizing
Marjorie and Susan discuss the etiquette of giving and receiving apologies, emphasizing the importance of not putting someone on the spot and using the right phrasing when seeking forgiveness.

00:33:01 - The Art of Forgiveness
The conversation delves into the importance of forgiveness and the significance of word choice in both giving and receiving apologies. They highlight the value of allowing space for both parties to think about the apology and forgiveness.

00:36:07 - Responding to Apologies
Marjorie and Susan share six steps for responding to apologies, including the importance of asking for clarification and understanding the impact of the apology. They also discuss the need to accept or reject an apology genuinely.

00:39:11 - The Value of Accepting Apologies
The discussion emphasizes the need to genuinely accept or reject an apology and to set clear boundaries for moving forward. The importance of owning one's response and giving both parties the space to reflect is highlighted.

00:43:06 - The Art of Apologies
The conversation touches on the familiar framework of bad apologies and the cringy phrases often used. The value of humor, self-reflection, and genuine communication in crafting meaningful apologies is emphasized.

00:47:22 - The Power of Apology
Apologizing more and better can make the world a better place. Show notes include links to past episodes, books, and ways to connect with Marjorie and Susan at sorrywatch.com.

00:48:03 - Conclusion
What stuck

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer and Dr. Gleb Tsipursky discuss how to avert everyday workplace disasters. They delve into the psychological underpinnings of decision-making, exploring why our instincts might not always lead to the best outcomes. Gleb shares a practical five-question framework designed to enhance decision-making processes and reduce the risk of costly mistakes. 
The discussion goes beyond theory, touching on real-world applications and the surprising role emotions play in our professional lives. Melina's relatable approach makes complex concepts approachable, and together with Gleb’s expertise, provides listeners with tools to think critically about their choices. Get ready to gain insights that could profoundly impact your career and organizational well-being. 
In this episode:
Mastering Behavioral Economics to Avoid Workplace Disasters: Uncover the psychological insights driving decision-making in organizations. Understanding the Impact of Cognitive Biases on Business Decisions: Enhance your awareness of hidden mental shortcuts influencing strategic choices. Implementing Effective Change Management Strategies in Organizations: Harness powerful techniques to navigate and lead successful organizational transitions. Cultivating Emotional Intelligence for Engineering and HR Collaboration: Develop the essential skills for fostering harmonious and productive cross-functional partnerships. Leveraging the Benefits of External Perspective in Decision Making: Gain a competitive edge by embracing diverse viewpoints and external expertise. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction
Gleb Tsipursky is introduced as a disaster avoidance expert and discusses his background in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral economics.

00:05:20 - Defining Workplace Disasters
Gleb defines workplace disasters as anything that makes a significant negative impact on your bottom line, whether it's due to one big decision or a series of small decisions. He gives examples of disasters in careers and businesses.

00:08:27 - Recognizing Dead-End Jobs
Gleb shares a tactic for recognizing dead-end jobs by considering the alternative and thinking about the long-term consequences of staying in the current situation.

00:11:01 - Sunk Cost Fallacy
Gleb explains the concept of sunk cost fallacy, where emotional attachment to past investments leads to poor decision making in projects and people. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging when you're wrong to address the situation effectively.

00:13:51 - Emotional Attachment and Decision Making
Gleb discusses the primal urge to reward confident behavior, even when it's wrong, and the challenge of changing one's mind based on evidence. He emphasizes the importance of making decisions based on accurate reality and evidence.

00:14:18 - Impact of the Internet on Public Figures
The conversation delves into the impact of the Internet on public figures, discussing how the breakdown of the media ecosystem has led to more leeway for leaders to deceive and double down on false statements.

00:16:50 - Influence of Gut Reactions
The discussion explores the influence of gut reactions, emphasizing our natural inclination to believe the first thing we hear and the anchoring bias, which weighs heavily on the first piece of information we receive.

00:20:30 - Addressing Tribalism in the Workplace
The conversation highlights the prevalence of tribalism in the workplace, citing examples of unconscious bias based on factors such as sports team affiliation, accent discrimination, and departmental rivalries.

00:21:08 - Importance of Overcoming Tribal Tendencies
The importance of overcoming tribal tendencies in the modern, multicultural society is discussed, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts as a means to address inherent tribalism.

00:27:42 - Strategies to Combat Tribalism
The conversation touches on practical strategies to comb

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer and guest Marc Zao-Sanders reveal how the technique of timeboxing transformed not just his productivity but his life. In this episode, you'll hear a genuine transformation story from chaos to structured success, and how intentional living can lead to profound personal and professional growth. 
Marc and Melina dissect the practicalities of digital organization, intentional decisions, and share personal experiences that bring the concept to life. Learn why timeboxing is more than just a productivity hack – it's a path to a more purposeful life. If you're looking to make meaningful changes to your daily routine, this episode offers wisdom and actionable steps without the hype. Join us for a dose of reality about the power of scheduling and prioritizing that could truly reshape your outlook on work and life.
In this episode:
Maximize Productivity: Unlock the benefits of timeboxing to supercharge your daily output and efficiency. Harness Time Management: Learn the art of implementing timeboxing, a powerful technique to take control of your schedule and accomplish more. Optimize Productivity: Explore the nuances between timeboxing and time blocking to revolutionize your approach to time management. Prioritize Effectively: Discover strategies for prioritizing tasks using timeboxing, ensuring maximum impact in minimal time. Foster Collaboration: Strengthen team collaboration with shared calendars, enhancing efficiency and synergy within your organization. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces Marc Zhao-Sanders, author of Timeboxing, and sets the stage for the conversation about the psychology of time management and productivity.

00:03:32 - Marc's Background and the Origin of Timeboxing
Marc shares his journey from being disorganized at the start of his career to creating his system of personal productivity and stumbling upon the concept of timeboxing through an article in Harvard Business Review.

00:08:42 - Success of Timeboxing
Marc discusses the popularity of timeboxing, the TikTok video that led to a book deal, and the widespread reach of the concept with translations in 33 languages.

00:11:35 - The Power of Timeboxing for Everyone
Marc emphasizes that timeboxing is not just for naturally organized individuals. Still, it can benefit anyone, especially in terms of mental health and feeling in control of one's time and productivity.

00:14:07 - Differentiating Timeboxing and Time Blocking
Marc provides a four-part definition of timeboxing, highlighting the intentional decision-making, scheduling, and flexibility of the practice, and distinguishes it from time blocking as a more comprehensive approach to managing time.

00:15:05 - The Importance of Timeboxing
Marc discusses the importance of timeboxing in making decisions and spending time intentionally, free from distractions. This allows for prioritizing tasks and committing to single-tasking.

00:16:17 - Defining Timeboxing
Marc defines time boxing as scheduling specific blocks of time to work on tasks, committing to single-tasking, and ensuring task completion to an acceptable standard within the allocated time.

00:17:36 - Parkinson's Law and Timeboxing
Marc talks about Parkinson's Law and how time expands to fill the time allowed. He emphasizes the importance of setting deadlines and timeboxing to avoid endless, frustrating tasks.

00:20:01 - Overcoming Timeboxing Challenges
Marc addresses the challenges of timeboxing, especially for new tasks. He recommends starting small with time boxes and gradually building confidence in the process.

00:24:51 - The Power of One Thing at a Time
Marc emphasizes the productivity of focusing on one thing at a time and the mantra "one thing at a time" to avoid multitasking and increase efficiency. He also discusses the satisfaction of completing tasks according to one's plan.

00:29:58 - Efficient To-Do List Management

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer explores the psychology behind precommitments and how they can profoundly impact our lives. Step into a thought-provoking conversation about the tools that assist us in adhering to our goals, including innovative apps like Stickk and Forest. Melina discusses the art of balancing personal aspirations and professional interactions, sharing anecdotes and advice on commitment and accountability.
Get insights into practical methods for setting realistic deadlines and implementing precommitment tactics that truly work. Anticipate an exciting look ahead to her upcoming TEDx talk as well. This episode isn't just about tips—it's an invitation to a deeper understanding of commitment psychology, paving the way for lasting change. Perfect for anyone looking to harness the power of their intentions, this episode promises to be both enlightening and inspiring.
In this episode:
Master the benefits of precommitment strategies to achieve your personal and professional goals effectively. Incorporate behavioral economics in your business for improved decision-making and success. Overcome cognitive dissonance in goal setting to enhance your self-discipline and productivity. Utilize time boxing to maximize your productivity and accomplish your tasks efficiently. Leverage loss aversion to boost your motivation and drive towards achieving your objectives. Show Notes: 00:00:00 Introduction
Melina introduces the concept of precommitment and explains how it can make us more likely to follow through on our intentions, whether it's committing to ourselves or someone else.

00:03:52 - Overcoming Time Discounting
Melina delves into the concept of time discounting and how we often make decisions that prioritize short-term gains over long-term benefits. Precommitment helps us overcome this bias and stick to our commitments.

00:09:35 - Cognitive Dissonance and Behavior Change
Melina discusses cognitive dissonance and its role in behavior change. She emphasizes the importance of facing our past behavior and accepting it in order to make meaningful changes in our commitments and habits.

00:11:34 - Implementing Precommitment Tactics
Melina provides practical strategies for implementing precommitment devices to keep commitments. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of behavior and finding precommitment tactics that align with our motivations and goals.

00:14:33 - Tools for Precommitment
Melina highlights the Stickk app, crafted by behavioral economists to help users stick to their goals. She encourages listeners to explore tools and ideas that can support their precommitment tactics and help them achieve cognitive alignment.

00:15:03 - Making Commitments and Using Precommitment Devices
Melina discusses the importance of making commitments and using precommitment devices to ensure sticking to them. She provides examples of setting up commitments and consequences to keep oneself motivated.

00:16:29 - Using the Forest App for Productivity
Melina introduces the Forest app, which helps in increasing productivity by creating a virtual forest and using it as a visual representation of commitment. She explains how the app helps in staying focused and avoiding distractions.

00:18:16 - Making Precommitments in Business and Teams
Melina emphasizes the importance of making precommitments in business and teams to ensure follow-through on commitments. She explains how setting up appointments and deadlines in the moment increases accountability and keeps everyone on track.

00:21:11 - The Loss Aversion Jar for Precommitment
Melina introduces the concept of the loss aversion jar as a precommitment tactic. She explains how it works by setting goals, putting money in the jar for daily commitments, and losing all the funds if the commitment is not met. The jar serves as a visual reminder and motivator.

00:26:41 - Embracing Precommitment to Achieve Goals

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer engages in an enlightening conversation with Hugh Massie, the executive chairman and founder of DNA Behavior. Hugh's journey into human behavior began during his tenure as a tax specialist at Arthur Anderson, where he honed his ability to tailor advice to clients based on their behavior. This experience led him to establish a wealth management family office business, where he recognized the crucial importance of understanding individual behaviors, particularly in relation to money. 
Throughout the episode, Hugh emphasizes the critical need for psychological safety in business environments and shares personal experiences that underscore the impact of creating a safe space for open communication among team members, clients, and employees. His expertise in utilizing technology to understand and interact with individuals more effectively, improving communication, talent matching, and overall employee and client experience, makes this episode a must-listen for business leaders and managers focused on enhancing team collaboration and performance.
In this episode:
Understand the significance of psychological safety for fostering a supportive and productive work environment. Master effective communication strategies to enhance team collaboration and performance. Explore the potential of leveraging technology to optimize team productivity and efficiency. Gain insights into human behavior in leadership to improve decision-making and team management. Learn how open communication builds trust and strengthens team dynamics for enhanced performance. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina introduces Hugh Massie, the founder of DNA Behavior, and shares his background in behavioral solutions architecture and the importance of understanding human behavior.

00:03:54 - Hugh's Background and Work
Hugh shares his background as a CPA and his transition into understanding human behavior through his experiences in the workplace and working with clients in a family wealth management business.

00:12:57 - Cost of Miscommunication
Melina discusses the significant cost of miscommunication in the workplace, including the 17 hours per person per week spent clarifying previous messages and the high percentage of misunderstood emails.

00:15:10 - Psychological Safety in Business
Hugh delves into the concept of psychological safety, using the example of Boeing's management pressure for financial results leading to the dismissal of employees who raised concerns about the design of the 737 MAX, highlighting the importance of creating a safe environment for open communication.

00:16:28 - Cultural Issues in Organizations
Hugh discusses the cultural issues at Boeing and Arthur Anderson, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety in a business environment. He highlights the need for team members to feel free to express themselves and share information.

00:18:28 - Support and Responsibility
Hugh emphasizes the importance of supporting team members and taking responsibility as a leader. He discusses the need for leaders to have their team's back and to take ownership of decisions. He also addresses the importance of managing emotions and showing up with the right energy.

00:21:39 - Trust and Autonomy
Melina shares a personal story about trust and autonomy in her previous workplace, emphasizing the importance of having a leader who supports their team's decisions. She highlights the impact of a leader's trust and support on the team's ability to have open conversations.

00:26:15 - Psychological Safety in Business
Hugh discusses the significance of psychological safety in the workplace, particularly in financial services firms. He explains how leaders' willingness to share their DNA discovery profile assessment with their team members can impact the organization's success.

00:31:32 - Technology and Communication
Melina and Hugh discuss the use of technology