Squeezing the Orange

It's likely you've either worked in a customer facing role or you've been the customer; we imagine for many of you it's both. So then, when service is given with a smile, who benefits most, the employee or the customer? Dan and Akin squeeze some interesting findings that question who's in need of training.  - Research Paper: 'Why Does Service with a Smile Make Employees Happy? A Social Interaction Model' by Eugene Kim and David Yoon

Ahead of their time, researchers in 2010 began looking into the costs and benefits of working from home - for organisations and employees. Dan and Akin recently got their hands on the research; join them as they give the findings a good squeeze.  - Research Paper: 'Does Working from Home Work? Evidence from a Chinese Experiment' by Nicholas Bloom, James Liang, John Roberts and Zhichun Jenny Ying

It can be concerning when abusive leadership towards employees is accepted and supported by victims of toxicity. Dan and Akin squeeze research that looks into why this happens and the role played by the perceived quality of the relationship, self-blame and guilt.  - Research Paper: 'When Victims Help their Abusive Supervisors: The Role of LMX, Self-Blame and Guilt' by Christian Tröster and Niels Van Quaquebeke

A longer-lasting approach to creating psychological safety is emerging, and it requires leaders to display more vulnerability. Rather than continuously soliciting feedback, this new approach suggests leaders share previous feedback they've received. Listen in as Dan and Akin make sense of "feedback-sharing" and its discovered benefits.  - Research Paper: 'Taking Your Team Behind the Curtain: The Effects of Leader Feedback-Sharing and Feedback-Seeking on Team Psychological Safety' by Constantinos Coutifaris and Adam Grant

Peculiar things happen when people doubt our capabilities; their doubts can have a strengthening or weakening effect on our performance. Dan and Akin squeeze exciting research about the conditions that turn underdogs into overachievers.  - Research Paper: 'The Underdog Effect: When Low Expectations Increase Performance' by Samir Nurmohamed

Dominant leaders work toward getting what they want, even if it's at the expense of others. This attitude has a ripple effect, creating negative environments in which more people adopt a zero-sum game mindset: in order to gain, someone else must lose. Join Dan and Akin as they squeeze the findings of the brand new research paper.  - Research Paper: 'The Impact of Leader Dominance on Employees' Zero-Sum Mindset and Helping Behaviour' By Niro Sivanathan and Hemant Kakkar

This time-tested leadership method doesn't always produce the desired results. Dan and Akin discuss why, and what to keep in my when adopting this approach.  - Research Paper: 'Leading by Example: The Case of Leader OCB' by Tal Yaffe and Ronit Kark

Diversity, if treated like an independent factor, falls short of effecting innovation when employee involvement is low. Dan and Akin discuss some of the challenges researchers face when attempting to apply science to this social issue.  - Research Paper: 'Diversity and organizational innovation: The role of employee involvement' by Yang Yang and Alison M. Konrad

Reciprocity is the dish of the day as Dan and Akin chew on research out of Stanford which questions why employee loyalty and effort is sometimes not reciprocated by employers - and, as it turns out, colleagues too.    - Research Paper: 'How “Organization” Can Weaken the Norm of Reciprocity: The Effects of Attributions for Favors and a Calculative Mindset' by Peter Belmi and Jeffrey Pfeffer

Does it seem risky to be yourself at a job interview or on a first date? Turns out the riskier approach is trying to be what we think others want us to be. Dan and Akin squeeze research that weighs the benefits of authenticity against catering to the needs of others.  - Research Paper: 'To be or not to be your authentic self? Catering to others' preferences hinders performance' by Francesca Gino, Ovul Sezer and Laura Huang

Anxiety is a normal response to rising tensions, but there an abnormal responses far more helpful. Dan and Akin squeeze a research paper that investigates the 'paradox mindset' and its benefits.  - Research Paper: 'Microfoundations of Organizational Paradox: The Problem is How We Think about the Problem' by Ella Miron-Spektor, Amy Ingram, Joshua Keller, Wendy K. Smith and Marianne W. Lewis

In life, some things help us along while others hold us back; which should we pay more attention to, and what good can come from changing our minds? Akin and Dan squeeze a research paper that looks into our asymmetric responses to headwinds and tailwinds.  - Research Paper: 'The Headwinds/Tailwinds Asymmetry: An Availability Bias in Assessments of Barriers and Blessings' by Shai Davidai and Thomas Gilovich

Have you considered whether the skills you've picked up at your work place would be valuable anywhere else? Dan and Akin squeeze research into why being too valuable to one organisation might make you less valuable to others.  - Research Paper: 'Micro-Foundations of Firm-Specific Human Capital: When do Employees Perceive Their Skills to Be Firm Specific?' by Joseph Raffiee and Russell Coff

There are reasons why armies, churches, organisations and communities engage in group activities seemingly unrelated to the purpose of the group. Dan and Akin squeeze research that looked into the benefits of getting several individual minds to think, feel and behave as one.  - Research Paper: 'Synchrony and Cooperation' by Scott S. Wiltermuth and Chip Heath

Did you know that a strong predictor for narcissism in children is how much money their parents make? Dan and Akin squeeze research that asks what this means for work places, as narcissists are more likely to be selected as leaders. - Research Paper: 'Echoes of Our Upbringing: How Growing Up Wealthy or Poor Relates to Narcissism, Leader Behavior, and Leader Effectiveness' by Sean R. Martin, Stephane Cote and Todd Woodruff

What do you think would have longer lasting effects on your happiness, winning the lottery or having a paralysing accident? Researchers wanted to know, and in this episode, Dan and Akin squeeze their findings for some invaluable life lessons. - Research Paper: 'Lottery Winners and Accident Victims: Is Happiness Relative?' by Philip Brickman, Dan Coates and Ronnie Janoff-Bulman

When you're on top, it can feel like everyone wants something from you. Might you be right? Or is it all in your head? Dan and Akin look to social psychology for an answer, and pull at the roots of our budding cynical nature. - Research Paper: 'How Power Corrupts Relationships: Cynical Attributions for Others' Generous Acts' by Ena Inesi, Deborah Gruenfeld and Adam Galinsky

When it comes to making decisions about our health, we think differently depending on whether the action prevents or detects problems. Dan and Akin squeeze a study which responds to this by investigating differences in what happens when the emphasis is put on potential gains versus losses. - Research Paper: 'The Systematic Influence of Gain-and Loss-Framed Messages on Interest in and Use of Different Types of Health Behavior' by Alexander J. Rothman, Steven C. Martino, Brian T. Bedell, Jerusha B. Detweiler and Peter Salovey

Whether of not we have found, or are in search of, a career that fulfils us professionally and personally might come down to just one thing: the story we tell ourselves. Dan and Akin squeeze research investigating how called professionals construct identities. - Research Paper: 'Stories of Calling: How Called Professionals Construct Narrative Identities' by Matt Bloom, Amy E. Colbert and Jordan D. Nielsen

Studied over 30 years ago, the hostile media phenomenon found the biases audiences consume news with creates a new reality in which everyone is out to get them and nothing is ever good enough. Dan and Akin squeeze the findings of this classic research paper. - Research Paper: 'The Hostile Media Phenomenon: Biased Perception and Perceptions of Media Bias in Coverage of the Beirut Massacre' by Robert P. Vallone, Lee Ross and Mark R. Lepper

Less what it takes to be the best and more what is takes to the produce the best. As a coach, leader, parent or person of persuasion, you'll be aware of the challenges involved with helping individuals reach their potential. Dan and Akin review research which seeks to help uncover reliable tips for drawing out greatness. - Research Paper: 'The Great British Medalists Project: A Review of Current Knowledge on the Development of the World's Best Sporting Talent' by Tim Rees, Lew Hardy, Arne Gullich, Bruce Abernethy, Jean Cote, Tim Woodman, Hugh Montgomery, Stewart Laing and Chelsea Warr

When we're being, negative feedback provides us with the opportunity to close the gap between what's produced and what's possible. Dan and Akin squeeze a research paper which looks into how the effect is turned on its head depending on where the feedback comes from. - Research Paper: 'Does Negative Feedback Benefit (or Harm) Recipient Creativity? The Role of the Direction of Feedback Flow' by Yeun Joon Kim and Junha Kim

Are you familiar with the best version of yourself? Would you like to be that version of yourself more often? We talk about Dan's latest book, 'Exceptional' in this episode, squeezing research and ideas that underpin text. - Exceptional is available on Amazon and Audible. - Be sure to visit essentic.com for information on how they help individuals and organisations uncover and work with their "Exceptional" strengths.

When you think of your workplace meetings, is laughter a regular attendee? Akin and Dan squeeze a research paper from an exciting branch of social science in which the merit of emotions at work is being brought into question. - Research Paper: 'Emotions in Organizations: Joint Laughter in Workplace Meetings' by Helena Kangasharju and Tuija Nikko

A long held belief among scholars and employers is that side hustles conflict with full-time work by depleting the cognitive abilities of employees. Akin and Dan squeeze a research paper which looked into whether this is truly the case and if there's more to the story! - Research Paper: 'Do the Hustle! Empowerment from Side-Hustles and Its Effects on Full-Time Work Performance' by Hudson Sessions, Jennifer D. Nahrgang, Manuel J. Vaulont, Raseana Williams and Amy L. Bartels

A new school take on an old school study finds that in states of high anxiety and fear, men remain able, and increasingly willing, to keep one thing on their mind.Akin and Dan talk about sex and taking chances. - Research Paper: 'Some Evidence for Heightened Sexual Attraction under Conditions of High Anxiety' by Donald G. Dutton and Arthur P. Aron

Contemporary careers come with the expectation of employee mobility and the guarantee of on the job uncertainty. Research has found two competing pathways necessary for individuals to thrive with agency: adaptive and exploratory. Dan and Akin squeeze the findings for you!  - Research Paper: 'Fast Tracks and Inner Journeys: Crafting Portable Selves for Contemporary Careers' by Gianpiero Petriglieri, Jennifer Louise Petriglieri and Jack Denfeld Wood

What can be learned from the Spanish Flu that might help us better navigate the present pandemic? Dan and Akin squeeze a sociology study that looks at natural disasters, and how the way to choose to frame events can either help or hinder our recovery. - Research Paper: 'Disasters and Community Resilience: Spanish Flu and the Formation of Retail Cooperatives in Norway' by Hayagreeva "Huggy" Rao and Henrich R. Greve

The duo are joined by author and leadership mentor, Terence Mauri. Together, the trio squeeze a research paper that scientifically finds measurable methods by which leaders can better harness their energy and be more influential at work. - Research Paper: 'Energizing Leaders via Self-Reflection: A Within-Person Field Experiment' by Klodiana Lanaj, Trevor Foulk and Amir Erez

It's time for another catch up with Akin and Dan. The duo have some special announcements, and also open the window into what's been happening in their lives.

A squad of researchers analysed a month's worth of police body camera footage from routine traffic stops in Oakland, California. Their findings highlight a racial bias that contributes towards the dysfunction relationship between Black Americans and the police. Dan and Akin squeeze the findings. - Research Paper: 'Language from Police Body Camera Footage Shows Racial Disparities in Officer Respect' by Rob Voigt, Nicholas P. Camp, Vinodkumar Prabhakaran, William L. Hamilton, Rebecca C. Hetey, Camilla M. Griffiths, David Jurgens, Dan Jurafsky, and Jennifer L. Eberhardt

Improve your mental health, and your physical health follows. Dan and Akin squeeze research which finds positive, self-affirming expressive writing has real and measurable benefits for women being treated for breast cancer. - Research Paper: 'Does Self-Affirmation, Cognitive Processing, or Discovery of Meaning Explain Cancer-Related Health Benefits of Expressive Writing' by J. David Creswell, Suman Lam, Annette L. Stanton, Shelley E. Taylor, Julienne E. Bower and David K. Sherman

To be the best, you've got to beat the best! Dan and Akin squeeze research looking into the roles guilt and shame play in competition and motivation.- Research Paper: 'May the Best Man Lose: Guilt Inhibits Competitive Motivation' by Uriel Haran

What do we mean when we say someone is "overqualified"? Dan and Akin look at why and when highly attractive qualities work against the best person for the job. - Research Paper: 'Too Good to Hire? Capability and Inferences about Commitment in Labor Markets' by Roman V. Galperin, Oliver Hahl, Adina D. Sterling, Jerry Guo

Something rather peculiar happens to the strength of your argument when you add everything and the kitchen sink to it. Dan and Akin squeeze research that will have you rethinking how the best cases are put forward. - Research Paper: 'The Unintended Consequences of Argument Dilution in Direct-to-Consumer Drug Advertisements' by Niro Sivanathan and Hemant Kakkar

What do you do when you're wrong? For the first time, Dan and Akin squeeze a research paper by a team looking to correct findings previously thought to be true. - Research Paper: 'Signing at the Beginning Versus at the End Does Not Decrease Dishonesty' by Ariella S. Kristal, Ashley V. Whillans, Max H. Bazerman, Francesca Gino, Lisa L. Shu, Nina Mazar, and Dan Ariely

Centuries of research have turned our understanding of nostalgia on its head. What was once believed to be a psychiatric disorder is now hailed as serving key psychological functions. Dan and Akin squeeze the findings. - Research Paper: 'Nostalgia: Past, Present, and Future' by Constantine Sedikides, Tim Wildschut, Jamie Arndt and Clay Routledge

If you're into meditation, you're going to love this! If you're not already into it, this might be what draws you in. Dan and Akin squeeze research which finds you can significantly improve your life without having to lift a finger. - Research Paper: 'Open Hearts Build Lives: Positive Emotions, Induced Through Loving-Kindness Meditation, Build Consequential Personal Resources' by Barbara L. Fredrickson, Michael A. Cohn, Kimberly A. Coffey, Jolynn Pek, and Sandra M. Finkel

Some very interesting things happen to our attitudes and behaviours when we're reminded we won't be around forever; at least not like this. Dan and Akin squeeze a research paper looking for answers of what those changes are and why they matter. - Research Paper: The Scrooge Effect: Evidence That Mortality Salience Increases Prosocial Attitudes and Behavior by Eva Jones, Jeff Schimel, Jeff Greenberg and Tom Pyszczynski

Is it possible that by personally customising your products (think running shoes, golf clubs, pens and more), you can improve your performance with them? Dan and Akin squeeze a research study looking into this and similar questions. - Research Paper: 'The Self-Expressive Customization of a Product Can Improve Performance' by Ulrike Kaiser, Martin Schreier and Chris Janiszewski

Fake news travels fast. If you've ever wondered why people share news stories with headlines so clearly fake, we have some answers for you! If you've never wondered this, well, you might be part of the problem! - Research Paper: 'Misinformation and Morality: Encountering Fake-News Headlines Makes Them Seem Less Unethical to Publish and Share' by Daniel A. Effron and Medha Raj

Can three studies in one research paper provide solutions for getting more women into senior executive roles? Dan and Akin squeeze findings that leave them humbled and surprised. - Research Paper: 'Leaning Out: How Negative Recruitment Experiences Shape Women's Decisions to Compete for Executive Roles' by Raina A. Brands and Isabel Fernandez-Mateo

When the aim's cooperation, the good you do cascades, as does the bad. Dan and Akin squeeze the research! - Research Paper: 'Cooperative Behavior Cascades in Human Social Networks' by James H. Fowler and Nicholas A. Christakis

The days of renting physical copies of films are now a thing of the past, however, plenty lessons remain from when this was the norm. Dan and Akin squeeze a study of DVD rentals to unravel why decisions we make for the future aren't so certain when it’s time to act.- Research Paper: ‘Highbrow Films Gather Dust: Time-Inconsistent Preferences and Online DVD Rentals’ by Katherine L. Milkman, Todd Rogers and Max H. Bazerman

Is the grass greener on the other side for the self-employed? Yes and no. Dan and Akin squeeze a research paper exploring the unpredictable sense of anxiety and fulfilment for those not bound to confines, or privy to the benefits, of a 9 to 5. - Research Paper: 'Agony and Ecstasy in the Gig Economy: Cultivating Holding Environments for Precarious and Personalized Work Identities' by Gianpiero Petriglieri, Susan J. Ashford and Amy Wrzesniewski

Is the ability to be funny determined by an individual's sex? Dan and Akin are joined by writer, director and performer, Gem Carmella. The trio squeeze a research study that stirred up the masses after it found and proclaimed men to be funnier than women. - Research Paper: 'Sex Differences in Humor Production Ability: A Meta-Analysis' by Gil Greengross, Paul J. Silvia and Emily C. Nusbaum

What costs would you pay to reduce burnout? Dan and Akin discuss research looking into the possibility of combating stress and emotional exhaustion by encouraging employees create and use self-reflective job titles.- Research Paper: 'Job Titles as Identity Badges: How Self-Reflective Titles Can Reduce Emotional Exhaustion' by Adam Grant, Justin Berg and Dan Cable

With a focus on the colour black, Dan and Akin squeeze a research paper that looks into whether behaviour and judgement is significantly impacted simply dependant on choosing to wear the colour black. Culture, sports and misguided decision making for all. - Research Paper: 'The Dark Side of Self and Social Perception: Black Uniforms and Aggression in Professional Sports' by Mark G. Frank and Thomas Gilovich

"The self is not static." It's rather the opposite, in fact. Over the course of our lives, one of the things we're guaranteed to do is change. Dan and Akin squeeze a study which looks whether or not a person can change based on how they imagine the people (and things) they encounter. - Research Paper: 'Simulating Other People Changes the Self' by Meghan Meyer, Zidong Zhao and Diana Tamir

Imagine a workplace policy that improves the performance of all employees, whilst levelling the career and life playing field for mothers. Dan and Akin review a research paper which focuses on the effects of remote working. - Research Paper: 'Discretionary Remote Working Helps Mothers without Harming Non-mothers: Evidence from a Field Experiment' by Eliot L. Sherman

Dan and Akin take on the age-old debate of talent vs. hard work, but from the perspective of how each is perceived, and therefore appreciated. When armed with insights uncovered by science, can individual better sell their skills to the world? - Research Paper: 'Naturals and Strivers: Preferences and Beliefs about Sources of Achievement' by Chia-Jung Tsay and Mahzarin Banji