The case of a solution unintendedly making the problem worse
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Barbra Streisand tried to suppress a photo of her house. The result? 420,000 downloads and a PR debacle so notorious it now bears her name: The Streisand Effect.But that's just one of the strange, counterintuitive rules shaping modern crisis communications.What do cobras, hot mics and medieval castles have to do with your reputation strategy? More than you think.* The Cobra Effect and the danger of misaligned incentives* Why a Kinsley Gaffe can undo months of message discipline* The role of Permission Structures in helping your audience change its mind...And the paradox of great comms: when you succeed, no one noticesLet me know which of these you've seen in the wild—or fallen into yourself. I promise, you're in good company.
Trey's Table Episode 251: The Cobra Effect **Blog Post: Trey's Table Episode 251 – Eric Adams and the Trump Administration: A Tale of Extortion and Political Leverage** *By Trey Smith, Host and Producer of Trey's Table* In the latest episode of *Trey's Table* (Episode 251), we dive into one of the most explosive political dramas of our time: the extortion of New York City Mayor Eric Adams by the Trump administration. This story is not just about corruption—it's about power, leverage, and the erosion of justice in American politics. ### The Backstory: Eric Adams and the DOJ's Controversial Dismissal Mayor Eric Adams, once a rising star in Democratic politics, found himself at the center of a federal corruption case in September 2024. He was indicted on charges of bribery, wire fraud, and accepting illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals, particularly Turkish officials. The case was set to go to trial in April 2025, but everything changed when President Donald Trump's Justice Department stepped in. In February 2025, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered federal prosecutors to dismiss the case against Adams, citing the mayor's role in assisting the Trump administration's immigration crackdown as a reason. This move sparked a wave of resignations among prosecutors, who decried the decision as a blatant quid pro quo. ### The Quid Pro Quo: A Mayor Held Hostage The Trump administration's directive to drop the charges was not based on the strength of the evidence or legal merit but on Adams' willingness to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. This quid pro quo was laid bare when Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, publicly stated that Adams would face consequences if he didn't deliver on their agreement. In Episode 251, we explore how this arrangement has left Adams politically compromised. By aligning himself with Trump, Adams has alienated his base in New York City, where the mayor's approval ratings are already at historic lows. The episode also examines the broader implications of this deal for democracy and the rule of law. ### The Resignations: A Crisis of Conscience The fallout from the DOJ's decision was swift and dramatic. Seven federal prosecutors resigned in protest, refusing to carry out what they saw as a politically motivated dismissal. Among them was Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, who penned a scathing resignation letter condemning the administration's actions. These resignations highlight the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by career public servants in an era of politicized justice. In the episode, we discuss how these events echo the “Saturday Night Massacre” of the Watergate era, raising questions about the integrity of the Justice Department under Trump. ### What's Next for Eric Adams? While Adams may have escaped prosecution for now, his political future remains uncertain. The case against him was dismissed “without prejudice,” meaning it could be revived after the 2025 mayoral election. This leaves Adams in a precarious position, beholden to the Trump administration and vulnerable to renewed charges if he steps out of line. In Episode 251, we also explore the potential long-term consequences for New York City. With Adams' leadership compromised, the city faces challenges in addressing critical issues like immigration, public safety, and housing. The episode features insights from political analysts, legal experts, and community leaders who weigh in on what this means for the future of New York. ### Join the Conversation This episode of *Trey's Table* is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, justice, and African-American leadership. We unpack the complexities of the Adams-Trump saga and its implications for our democracy. Tune in to Episode 251 of *Trey's Table* on your favorite podcast platform, and let's keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #TreysTable and tag us @TrevsTable. Because when it comes to holding power accountable, silence is not an option. --- *Trey's Table* is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! #TreysTable #EricAdams #TrumpAdministration #PoliticalCorruption #AfricanAmericanHistory #Podcasthttps://youtu.be/mHrLx3jGH_c?s...
Welcome to Cobra Kai week on the Lone Lobos podcast! Joining us to celebrate the release of part 3 are Cobra Kai composers Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson. Xolo Maridueña sits down with the duo to discuss their journey creating the show's iconic music, including how they landed the job and their musical inspirations. We also dive into Leo's recent collaboration with Charli XCX on the "Bottoms" (2023) soundtrack. The composers reflect on their 7-year journey with Cobra Kai and share details about their latest project, "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man," now streaming on Disney+. For our Lobitos Exclusivos, enjoy an extended episode where Leo and Zach break down their creative process behind some of Cobra Kai's most memorable tracks. Don't miss Cobra Kai season 6 part 3, dropping February 13th exclusively on Netflix. Free Discord Access:https://discord.gg/KnDhbnBMCjJoin Supercast Today for the full episode:https://lonelobos.supercast.com/Follow Lone Lobos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonelobosFollow Jacob Bertrand on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejacobbertrandFollow Xolo Maridueña on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xolo_mariduenaFollow Leo Birenberg on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leobirenbergFollow Zach Robinson on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/zrobusaFollow Jordan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmkm808Follow Monica on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/officialmonicat_http://www.heyxolo.com/Jacobs Channel: @ThreeFloating
Join Andy for a fascinating dive into the “Cobra Effect,” a real-life cautionary tale of how a British Raj's well-intentioned bounty on cobras dramatically backfired. This episode explores how our best efforts to fix or control situations - whether it's curbing pesky snakes or managing our public image - can sometimes cause us more trouble than what we started with. With examples ranging from Barbra Streisand's unintended viral moment to a reflection on modern social media, this episode is a bit of a cage rattler, with some big thinking about how we manage mental health around the world. Maybe a simple shift in perspective might just be the antidote?
Originally released October 4, 2021. The Cobra Effect is a story of unintended consequences. In British-controlled India, the government tried to offer an incentive to help curb the rampant deadly cobra problem. Their solution backfired. This is the story of the model that economist & sociologists call the "Cobra Effect." Then comedy writer Jimmy Mak comes on the show to play the quick quiz! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For special discounts and links to our sponsors, visit http://theinternetsaysitstrue.com/deals
Discover the secret to mastering link building in this episode of From Startup to Wunderbrand. Nicholas Kuhne sits down with SEO expert Shaurya Jain, who has worked with industry giants like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and HubSpot. Shaurya shares his unique fractionate link building methodology, offering actionable insights into finding high-quality backlinks, avoiding common pitfalls, and maximizing your website's visibility on Google.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction: Why backlinks matter[00:02:00] Shaurya's journey to becoming a link-building specialist[00:03:00] What is link building, and how does it differ from SEO?[00:05:00] Setting up a successful link-building strategy[00:06:00] The "Cobra Effect" and its impact on SEO metrics[00:09:00] Shaurya's 7 ways to vet backlink quality[00:16:00] Industries that benefit most from link building[00:17:00] Overview of Shaurya's free masterclass[00:18:00] Services and ideal clients for link-building successFor more insights, visit Shaurya's free masterclass at herculeanseo.com.
In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Tom Geraghty about goals and incentives - from the cobra effect and perverse incentives. Tom Geraghty (https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraghtytom/), the CEO and founder of Psychological Safety (powered by Iterum Ltd), is a trailblazer in the realm of psychological safety. With a diverse background that encompasses scientific research, technology, and leadership roles, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His journey began as an "Experimentalist" at Jealott's Hill for Syngenta, setting the stage for his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering innovation. Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech NAPA Autotech's team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.Matt explores integrity and ethical behavior in the automotive repair industry. Using a reality TV challenge show as a metaphor, Matt illustrates how individuals can manipulate situations for personal gain, paralleling the ethical dilemmas faced by technicians who may lie to customers or recommend unnecessary repairs to boost earnings. He discusses the impact of reward systems, particularly flat-rate compensation, on behavior and introduces the "cobra effect" to highlight unintended negative consequences. Matt encourages listeners to reflect on their practices and prioritize integrity to build trust and ensure sustainable business success.Integrity and ethical behavior in the automotive repair industryThe impact of reward systems on technician behaviorFlat-rate compensation and its implications for ethical practicesManipulation and deception in competitive environmentsThe "cobra effect" and unintended consequences of reward systemsThe importance of maintaining professional integrityFinancial literacy and its role in decision-making for techniciansStrategies for continuous improvement in business practicesThe relationship between compensation structures and quality of workContact InformationEmail Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.comDiagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech NAPA Autotech's team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.Matt explores integrity and ethical behavior in the automotive repair industry. Using a reality TV challenge show as a metaphor, Matt illustrates how individuals can manipulate situations for personal gain, paralleling the ethical dilemmas faced by technicians who may lie to customers or recommend unnecessary repairs to boost earnings. He discusses the impact of reward systems, particularly flat-rate compensation, on behavior and introduces the "cobra effect" to highlight unintended negative consequences. Matt encourages listeners to reflect on their practices and prioritize integrity to build trust and ensure sustainable business success.Integrity and ethical behavior in the automotive repair industryThe impact of reward systems on technician behaviorFlat-rate compensation and its implications for ethical practicesManipulation and deception in competitive environmentsThe "cobra effect" and unintended consequences of reward systemsThe importance of maintaining professional integrityFinancial literacy and its role in decision-making for techniciansStrategies for continuous improvement in business practicesThe relationship between compensation structures and quality of workContact InformationEmail Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.comDiagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
Do you prefer multistory episodes, single story episodes, or a mix? Let us know! In this episode of "Discover Daily," hosts Alex and Sienna explore the fascinating world of technology, science, and culture. The show kicks off with a closer look at the recent shakeup in the "Magnificent Seven" group of top U.S. tech companies, as Broadcom surpasses Tesla in market capitalization. Sienna dives into the factors behind Broadcom's meteoric rise and the challenges faced by Tesla, offering insights into the ever-changing landscape of the tech industry.Next, Alex shares the surprising news of the World Wide Web Foundation's decision to shut down after 15 years, citing the achievement of its primary mission as global internet access reaches nearly 70%. He examines the foundation's significant impact on expanding internet accessibility, promoting digital rights, and shaping internet governance policies worldwide. The discussion also explores the reasons behind the closure and the ongoing efforts to address the evolving challenges in the digital landscape.For the deep dive segment, Sienna introduces the concept of the Cobra Effect, a term coined by economist Horst Siebert to describe the unintended consequences of well-meaning solutions. Using the historical anecdote of cobra breeding in colonial India as a starting point, Sienna and Alex explore how this phenomenon manifests across various fields, from urban planning and business to healthcare and education. They discuss strategies to avoid the Cobra Effect, such as creating simple incentives, anticipating potential loopholes, and regularly evaluating the impact of implemented solutions. The hosts also delve into the infamous Wells Fargo account fraud scandal as a prime example of the Cobra Effect in action, highlighting the importance of carefully designed incentive systems and the potential dangers of misaligned incentives.Perplexity is the fastest and most powerful way to search the web. Perplexity crawls the web and curates the most relevant and up-to-date sources (from academic papers to Reddit threads) to create the perfect response to any question or topic you're interested in. Take the world's knowledge with you anywhere. Available on iOS and Android Join our growing Discord community for the latest updates and exclusive content. Follow us on: Instagram Threads X (Twitter) YouTube Linkedin
In this episode of the Mob Mentality Show, we explore the unintended consequences and pitfalls of relying too heavily on metrics with a dive into Goodhart's Law. If you've ever wondered why well-intentioned measurements can backfire and cause harmful behaviors in software development, leadership, and beyond, then this episode is for you! **What is Goodhart's Law?** Goodhart's Law states that “When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure.” This means that when metrics are used as goals, people tend to optimize for the metric itself rather than the underlying value or outcome it represents. **How Can Metrics Destroy Collaboration?** Chris shares an intriguing story about two teams set up to compete against each other, only to find that the focus on “winning” metrics led to a breakdown in communication and collaboration. Instead of fostering teamwork, the metrics created silos and a toxic environment. **Examples of Bad Metrics in Software Development** We go through specific metrics that have led to bad behaviors in software teams, such as: - **Test Coverage Metrics**: How a narrow focus on test coverage can lead to tests that do nothing but improve the metric, without actually asserting anything or improving software quality. - **Points-per-Person Metrics**: Why measuring productivity at an individual level (e.g., story points completed per person) damages team dynamics and led to cutting corners. **Are There Any Good Metrics?** Is it possible to use metrics without falling into the Goodhart's Law trap? We discuss whether certain collective measures like **DORA Metrics** can provide value without the same issues. **Metrics for Conversations, Not Evaluation** One key takeaway is the distinction between metrics that trigger healthy conversations vs. those used to make evaluative judgments of a team from a distance. When metrics become evaluative rather than formative, they risk distorting behaviors and eroding psychological safety. **Leading Measures vs. Lagging Measures** We also touch on insights from *The 4 Disciplines of Execution* and its perspective on leading measures vs. lagging measures. **Managing Teams and Incentives at Scale** Finally, we tackle the challenge of managing people and teams at scale. Incentive structures that overemphasize metrics can lead to counterproductive behaviors, burnout, and loss of motivation. We emphasize the anti-pattern of metrics-driven management without side-by-side in-context coaching. If you've ever experienced the pitfalls of metrics-driven environments or are seeking ways to improve measurement practices in your teams, this episode is packed with lessons learned, cautionary tales, and actionable advice. Don't miss it! Video and Show Notes: https://youtu.be/MiySzmDRYA8
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer dives into the intricacies of motivation, exploring how our brains can both get and stay motivated. This episode is designed to help you understand the psychological underpinnings of motivation, including the impact of behavioral economics concepts like loss aversion, habits, and framing. Whether you're aiming for personal development or looking to integrate these insights into your business strategies, this episode has you covered. Melina shares personal stories, including her journey with running, to illustrate the principles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. She also evaluates popular fitness apps like Couch to 5K and Runkeeper, discussing their effectiveness in motivating users and suggesting improvements based on behavioral science. The episode is rounded out with actionable tips for hacking your own motivation, making it a must-listen for anyone eager to achieve their goals. In this episode: Learn the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how to leverage both. Discover the role of behavioral economics in motivation, including concepts like loss aversion and framing. Get insights into popular fitness apps and how they can either encourage or discourage motivation. Gain actionable tips for setting and achieving your goals by understanding your brain's rules around mindset. Explore practical examples of how to flip the script on your motivation blocks. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction Melina introduces the episode's focus on motivation and its psychological aspects. 00:02:00 - Personal Journey Melina shares her personal story about running and how it ties into motivation. 00:06:00 - The Science of Motivation An overview of the scientific principles that drive motivation. 00:14:00 - Types of Motivation Discussion on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, with examples from Melina's life. 00:20:00 - Case Studies Real-world examples of motivation in different contexts. 00:25:00 - Behavioral Economics Concepts Exploration of loss aversion, habits, and framing in the context of motivation. 00:32:00 - Evaluating Fitness Apps Melina evaluates Couch to 5K and Runkeeper, discussing their motivational strategies and suggesting improvements. 00:40:00 - Practical Tips Actionable tips for hacking your own motivation, including setting and limiting goals. 00:43:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Work Well, Play More, by Marcey Rader Mixed Signals, by Uri Gneezy What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood I Respectfully Disagree, by Justin Jones-Fosu Top Recommended Next Episode: iNcentives (ep 272) Already Heard That One? Try These: Wendy Wood Interview (ep 127) Katy Milkman Interview (ep 151) Cobra Effect (ep 220) Uri Gneezy Interview (ep 273) Marcey Rader Interview (ep 323) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In episode 403 of The Brainy Business podcast, neuroscientist and physicist Kelly Clancy, through her extensive experience at MIT, Berkeley University College London, and DeepMind, provides a profound exploration of the psychology of games and their influence on behavior and decision-making. Kelly's expertise in neuroscience and game design is evident as she connects concepts from these fields to offer a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Her book, Playing with Reality, delves deep into the history and significance of games, emphasizing their role in shaping human behavior and thought processes. Throughout the conversation, Kelly highlights the impact of games in shaping behaviors, the significance of balancing innovation with maintenance, and the power of experiential games in fostering empathy and understanding. She presents valuable insights into the role of games in shaping economic concepts, fostering understanding, tolerance, and better conversations, and the strategic and innovative aspects of game design for creating new systems and marketplaces. Kelly's examples and anecdotes effectively illustrate the broader implications of gaming in various contexts, making it clear that games are not just about entertainment but can also have profound effects on decision-making and societal dynamics. Kelly's expertise and passion for the subject shine through, making the episode an engaging and informative exploration of the psychology of gaming. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore the profound influence of games on human culture and societal norms. Understand the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence in shaping game design and player experience. Discover the application of behavioral economics in driving strategic decision-making and consumer behavior within businesses. Trace the historical significance of games and their impact on modern thought and innovation. Learn the art of designing effective incentive systems to drive organizational performance and foster innovation. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction Melina introduces Kelly Clancy, author of Playing with Reality, and sets the stage for a conversation about the history and impact of games on society. 00:02:30 - Kelly's Background and Interest in Games Kelly shares her background as a neuroscientist and physicist and her interest in the history of games, which stems from her work at DeepMind and her observations of how games influence scientific thought. 00:05:51 - Definition of Games Kelly defines games as systems with a goal and restrictions on how to achieve that goal, highlighting the importance of following rules and how games have been influential in shaping behavior and learning. 00:09:00 - Influence of Games on Behavior and Dopamine System Kelly discusses how games can shape behavior through the manipulation of the dopamine system, leading to behaviors that may not align with personal values, and the potential dangers of games encouraging individuals to abandon their values to win. 00:13:38 - Designing Systems and Mechanism Design Kelly explores the concept of mechanism design and the importance of thinking at a systems level, drawing parallels between game design and designing systems to elicit specific behaviors, with examples from the tech industry. 00:16:25 - Designing Games for Honesty Kelly discusses the goal of designing games where everyone can win by being honest. The importance of incentivizing the right behaviors within organizations is highlighted. 00:17:54 - Incentivizing Different Strategies Kelly suggests incentivizing different personality types within organizations to balance innovation with maintenance work. She emphasizes the need to reward solid, clever work alongside innovation. 00:21:31 - Sports and Games The guest discusses the historical significance of sports as a physical conditioning for conflict resolution. She explores the idea of trying on different personalities in games and how it can lead to self-discovery. 00:24:54 - Fascinating Aspects of Games The conversation delves into the experiential nature of games and how they provide a unique exploration of agency. Anecdotes about the powerful impact of immersive games on decision-making are shared. 00:27:29 - Reality Shows and Games The guest draws parallels between modern reality shows and historical events like the Renaissance Venice carnival. The discussion centers on how reality shows allow participants to try on different personas and make decisions based on role-playing. 00:32:47 - The Power of Trust and Perception Kelly discusses the importance of trust and perception in games and how players must navigate interactions without hearing the other person's voice. 00:33:45 - Understanding Tolerance and Safe Spaces The conversation delves into the importance of tolerance and having a safe space to explore different scenarios and perspectives, which can lead to positive lessons beyond the game. 00:36:00 - The Role of Play in Learning and Tolerance Exploring the universal play language among animals and its impact on learning, tolerance, and intelligence expansion, as well as its ability to motivate teams and individuals. 00:37:43 - The Business Value of Games Kelly explains the theoretical and practical value of games in business, including the use of game design in creating new systems and the role of games in negotiation, strategy, and innovation. 00:41:34 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Connect with Kelly: Kelly on X Kelly on LinkedIn Kelly's Website Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Playing with Reality, by Kelly Clancy Mixed Signals, by Uri Gneezy The Power of Us, by Jay Van Bavel & Dominic Packer Quit, by Annie Duke Evolutionary Ideas, by Sam Tatam Top Recommended Next Episode: Unleashing the Power of DOSE Chemicals (ep 360) Already Heard That One? Try These: iNcentives: The N in NUDGES (ep 36) Cobra Effect (ep 220) Game Theory (ep 228) Yves Boudreau Interview (ep 375) Tim Houlihan Interview (ep 392) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter
Dee shares his tale of exploitin' fast food companies as a gainer and Aj insists he continues since it's his turn to be the feeder (we take turns). Join us on this episode as we explore the fascinating concept of the Cobra Effect—a phenomenon where a solution to a problem ends up making the problem worse. We delve into historical instances where good intentions backfired, from the British colonial rule in India to the streets of Hanoi. Learn how unintended consequences have shaped history and continue to influence decision-making today. Our Website The Store Insta Reddit Patreon
Bitcoin Enthusiast and Entrepreneur Dave Bradley joins me for a lively discussion about Bitcoin's place in the societal upheaval events were going through from the short, mediam, and long term perspective. Dave Bradley on Twitter Bitcoin Rodeo in Calgary (promo code: Goats)
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In episode 375 of The Brainy Business podcast, Yves Boudreau, head of technical sales at Google Cloud, provides valuable insights into the intersection of generative AI, language models, and behavioral science in business. Yves, with a background in technology and a keen interest in applied behavioral science, emphasizes the responsible adoption and application of AI and large language models. He highlights the importance of understanding the social science perspective to ensure responsible usage and discusses the benefits and limitations of AI in improving performance. The conversation delves into various aspects, including the potential risks of relying on AI-generated content, the significance of proper training in using AI tools, and the role of behavioral science in conjunction with AI. Yves' expertise and experience make this episode a must-listen for business professionals interested in AI and behavioral science, as it offers valuable insights for more responsible and effective AI implementation in businesses. In this episode: Implementing AI in call centers revolutionizes customer support efficiency. Elevate user satisfaction by refining the search experience with AI. Streamline operations with self-service mechanisms for enhanced efficiency. Mitigate adverse effects of perverse incentives in call center operations. Elevate customer service standards through strategic AI integration. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction Yves Boudreau, head of technical sales at Google Cloud, discusses the intersection of AI and behavioral science, emphasizing responsible adoption and usage of AI technology. 00:05:44 - AI's Impact on Business Performance Yves mentions a study showing that consultants using AI outperformed those who didn't. AI can increase efficiency, improve outcomes, and provide valuable insights when used effectively in business operations. 00:09:05 - Responsible AI Adoption Yves highlights the negative impact of using AI without proper understanding and training. Google Cloud provides free workshops to ensure customers understand the technology and use it responsibly. 00:11:52 - Ethical Usage of AI Yves discusses the ethical considerations of using AI, emphasizing the need to prevent misuse, privacy infringement, and manipulation of AI models. Responsible AI usage is crucial in both consumer and business contexts. 00:13:22 - Preventing Nefarious Use of AI Yves explains the measures taken by Google Cloud to prevent malicious activities, such as attacks, reverse engineering, and tricking AI models. The focus is on using AI for good and closing loopholes to ensure responsible usage. 00:14:37 - AI and Show Notes Optimization The conversation delves into the use of AI in creating show notes and the challenges of optimizing the process. There is a discussion about the limitations and potential errors in AI-generated summaries. 00:16:21 - Teaching Effective AI Use The focus shifts to the importance of teaching effective AI usage, particularly in educational settings. The guest emphasizes the need to guide students in discerning accurate information from AI-generated content. 00:18:18 - Impact of AI on Performance The conversation explores the impact of AI on consultants' performance, with a focus on how AI can elevate those with less expertise. An analogy is drawn between AI and tools that revolutionize manual tasks. 00:19:27 - Evolving Podcast Summary Creation The discussion touches on the variability in podcast summary creation and the importance of adapting to changing norms. It emphasizes the need for prompt engineers to guide effective use of AI in search queries and content creation. 00:25:08 - Behavioral Economics and AI The conversation shifts to the intersection of behavioral economics and AI in influencing consumer behavior. It highlights the role of AI in analyzing customer interactions and optimizing customer service processes. 00:28:42 - Evolution of Customer Support Departments Yves discusses the evolution of customer support departments, including the combination of three departments into one and the transition from 24-hour call centers to more efficient hours. 00:30:58 - Impact of Digital Transactions on Call Centers Yves shares insights from Matthew Dixon's research, indicating that over 80% of phone calls to contact centers are due to failed digital transactions, showcasing the impact of technology on customer service. 00:32:13 - Power of AI in Contact Centers Yves emphasizes the potential of AI technologies in contact centers to improve customer experiences and empower agents. He discusses the need for behavioral scientists to guide the adoption and usage of AI tools. 00:34:24 - Leveraging Contact Center Data Yves highlights the valuable insights hidden in call recordings and chat transcripts, advocating for their use to gain a competitive edge in business. He emphasizes the need for companies to embrace and leverage this data. 00:38:34 - Improving Customer Experience Yves stresses the importance of providing efficient and effective customer service, aiming to minimize the need for customers to contact the business. He underscores the role of AI in enhancing the overall customer experience. 00:43:12 - Improving User Experience on Delta.com Yves discusses the challenges of finding trip credits and flight credits on delta.com and the importance of making the search experience more user-friendly. The conversation delves into the need for more information in search prompts and the importance of user feedback for product improvement. 00:44:55 - The Challenging Call Center Environment Melina shares her experience working in a call center and discusses the behavioral aspects of call center interactions. They explore the impact of incentives and metrics on call center agents and customers, emphasizing the importance of understanding human behavior in customer service. 00:46:55 - Behavioral Insights in Call Centers The conversation continues with a focus on the behavioral aspects of call center operations, including the impact of incentives and customer behavior on call center performance. They highlight the challenges of logic and empathy in customer interactions and the importance of understanding human behavior in service delivery. 00:49:17 - Embracing AI and Technology Melina discusses the increasing role of AI in call centers and business operations, emphasizing the need to embrace AI for time-saving and optimization. They highlight the potential of AI to improve self-service aspects and customer experience, emphasizing the importance of incorporating technology and human behavior in business operations. 00:50:52 - Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Connect with Yves: LinkedIn X Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Magic Words, by Jonah Berger Predictably Irrational, by Dan Ariely The Behaviour Business, by Richard Chataway The Human Experience, by John Sills The Voltage Effect, by John List Top Recommended Next Episode: Manuj Aggarwal Interview (ep 192) Already Heard That One? Try These: Marco Palma Interview (ep 374) Shapa (ep 101) Status Quo Bias (ep 376) Rory Sutherland Interview (ep 373) Warren Berger Interview (ep 340) Jonah Berger Interview (ep 301) Richard Chataway Interview (ep 134) John Sills Interview (ep 277) John List Interview (ep 190) Habits (ep 256) Herding (ep 264) Time Discounting (ep 328) Lucie Buisson (ep 339) Cobra Effect (ep 220) Dunning-Kruger Effect (ep 266) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Centaurs and Cyborgs on the Jagged Frontier Bard Rebrands as Gemini
Thank you so much for listening to the Choice Hacking podcast. Today's episode was brought to you by my newest Choice Hacking Academy course, "How to Win More Clients (with Science)."
Dave Lukas, The Misfit Entrepreneur_Breakthrough Entrepreneurship
Many years ago, I introduced a new format that alongside our regular episodes called “Lessons for Hannah.” Hannah is my daughter and one of the main inspirations for the Misfit Entrepreneur. I wanted to have a place where she could go and learn from her daddy and his Misfit friends throughout her life….even after I am gone. If you haven't listened to the first episode of "Lessons for Hannah," I urge you to as it gives some more background and tells the amazing story of how Hannah came to be in our lives. Lessons for Hannah are short, very useful, and sometimes comical lessons, that I want to share with you and give to Hannah to help in your lives. Because I want Hannah to have these for her life, I'm going to speak as though I am talking directly to her. These episodes are a lot of fun and if you think there is a lesson that we should include in these episodes, please don't hesitate to send it over to us at support@misfitentrepreneur.com. We'd love to share it. To see the full show notes and Misfit 3 for this episode, go to www.MisfitEntrepreneur.com. Show Sponsors: 5 Minute Journal: www.MisfitEntrepreneur.com/Journal
Part two of my interview with Melanie Weisner. Check out part one here: https://youtu.be/IETu6pkBLFo Melanie Weisner is an American professional poker player. She is also known by her PokerStars online screen name Callisto 5. Born in Houston, Texas, Weisner studied vocal performance at New York University before pursuing poker full-time. She was introduced to poker when her brother had success playing online. She has had several notable online tournament wins and has had notable win and strong performances in live tournament play as well. In addition to multi-table tournaments, she is also a heads-up sit-and-go tournament specialist. Weisner is no stranger to the world of Poker Tv and Radio. She is a contributor to the online poker radio show Cold Call hosted by Bryan Micon, Brandon Gerson and Adam Schoenfeld, was featured on "Idol Week" of NBC's Poker After Dark in 2011, is featured on Late Night Poker's 2011 season, is featured on Season V in the playoffs for the Party Poker Premier League, and is featured on "Femme Fatale" of Poker After Dark in 2018. Here is what you can expect on this week's show: 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Lust controls the world! 3:00 Dating within the world of poker 8:30 To date the same or opposite 12:00 Bad dating advice 13:38 Consent 21:30 You can say or do anything if they're into you 22:50 The emasculation of men 23:25 Cultural differences in dating 28:50 The effects of social media on dating 37:20 The nature of physical attraction 40:00 Ranking cities by toxic dating traits 43:30 Dating for introverts - showing your personality 48:17 The Cobra Effect 51:00 Can Melanie increase Jungle's hit rate? ▬ Winning the Game of Life ▬▬▬▬▬▬ Check out other "Winning the Game of Life" episodes: ► https://www.youtube.com/c/WinningTheGameofLife Connect with Melanie Wesiner: Twitter: @melanieweisner Instagram: @melanieweisner Follow "Jungleman" Dan Cates on social: Websites: https://www.wtgol.com Instagram: @wtgolpodcast @thedancates Twitter: @junglemandan Join Poker Academy today using this link: https://www.preflop.academy/?via=dan Poker strategy tips Poker tournament highlights Poker player profiles Poker player rankings Poker coaching Poker mental game
Unravel the captivating tale of "The Cobra Effect" and its striking parallels to the use of grades as external motivators in education. In this thought-provoking episode, we embark on a quest to avoid the cobras lurking in our classrooms and discover alternative approaches that foster genuine student engagement. Join Nick as he explores how relying solely on grades can inadvertently hinder intrinsic motivation in students, leading to unintended consequences. Delve into the world of authentic assessment, where learning transcends mere letter grades and connects to real-world contexts. Experience how project-based learning, formative assessments, and portfolios can ignite students' passion for learning, turning their curiosity into a force of nature. Empower your students with the gift of self-assessment and reflection. Witness how these practices cultivate metacognition and a growth mindset, helping students take ownership of their learning journey. Say goodbye to rote memorization and embrace the power of meaningful learning experiences. Let's break free from the "Cobra Effect" and transform our classrooms into havens of intrinsic motivation and deep engagement. Tune in now to discover the secrets of nurturing lifelong learners and building a community of curious minds.
When it comes to the crunch, if there's something important at stake we'd all be tempted to consider gaming the system to hit our targets, wouldn't we?We explore the phenomenon of Goodhart's Law; which says that as soon as a measure of something becomes a target determining success or failure, it ceases to be a good measure of performance - because there's a high chance we'll find cheeky ways to get there... won't we?See Jono's sketch of Goodhart's Law here.Jono mentions his sketch covering The Cobra Effect. Have you ever played the system to hit a target or have you been frustrated when it's been done to you? Let us know at hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.comAll Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
Dr. Kurt Nelson is a behavioral scientist and founder of the Lantern Group. His expertise involves helping businesses align incentives and motivation to improve sales, productivity, and employee happiness. With a strong focus on incorporating behavioral science principles into goal-setting and motivation strategies, Kurt offers valuable insights for individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their overall success. During the podcast, Melina and Kurt discuss the Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, keystone goals, incentives, priming, framing, and so much more. Want to reduce turnover rates in your organization? Kurt explains why this requires a holistic approach that addresses multiple aspects of employee engagement and satisfaction. These might include clear communication of goals and expectations, a strong organizational vision, appropriate incentives, a psychologically safe environment, and acknowledging employee contributions. Implementing these elements effectively within the organization can result in a considerable reduction in turnover rates and a more motivated workforce. He shares a case study of a client company that initially had a 42% turnover rate, which is now under 5%. They achieved this by improving communication and creating a clear vision, which involved offering incentives designed to promote desired behaviors rather than instilling fear. Regular town hall meetings and a national employee meeting facilitated better communication and helped everyone stay informed. Additionally, they worked with managers to enhance their communication skills and foster better relationships with their teams. Learn all about this fascinating example and more in this episode, including: Elevate employee engagement through comprehensive strategies for lasting retention. Manage workload effectively and prioritize tasks to minimize burnout. Infuse meaning, purpose, and creativity into your work culture for a thriving environment. Enhance communication, vision, and incentives to diminish staff turnover. Employ behavioral science techniques for successful goal-setting and motivation. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Dr. Kurt Nelson, co-host of Behavioral Grooves and CEO of the Lantern Group, discusses his expertise in employee incentives and motivation in the workplace. 00:03:35 - Employee Experience, Organizations are refocusing on the employee experience and how they can ensure they are doing right by their employees to increase engagement and motivation. 00:08:34 - Human Complexity, Organizations need to understand that humans are complex and are driven by various factors, such as their external environment, social environment, and managerial challenges at work. Employees want a psychologically safe environment where they feel respected and fulfilled. 00:11:23 - Quiet Quitting, Employees are pushing back against the expectation to give 150% effort every day. Organizations should not expect employees to go above and beyond all the time, but they need to create jobs that allow employees to be creative and bring passion into their work. 00:14:22 - Full Self in Work, Employees who bring their full selves into work find more meaning and purpose in their jobs. Organizations need to make sure they are creating an environment that allows employees to find fulfillment at work. 00:15:58 - The Importance of Frontline Managers, Frontline managers are often promoted for their individual job skills rather than their ability to manage. This can lead to a lack of understanding of how to engage and work with employees, causing turnover and "quiet quitting." 00:18:23 - Case Study: Decreasing Turnover Rates, Working with a company that had a 42% turnover rate, Kurt and his team's focus was on improving communication from executive leadership to employees, setting a clear vision and incentives, and training managers on how to communicate and engage with their team. The result was a decrease in salesforce turnover rate to under 5%. 00:22:23 - Priming and Framing, Changing 12 words in an email to incorporate qualified achievement words increased performance by 15% and decreased the need for escalation by 30%. Framing incentives in a gain or loss context can also impact behavior. Psychological safety is important for employees to feel valued and heard. 00:28:46 - How to Be a Better Organization, Align incentives with desired behaviors, create a psychologically safe environment where employees feel valued and heard, and provide tools for managers and employees to break down goals and understand how to engage and motivate teams. Changing behavior is key to achieving success, and incentives are key to that. 00:30:29 - Summary, To decrease turnover rates and create a better organization, focus on aligning incentives, creating a psychologically safe environment, and providing tools for managers and employees. Changing behavior is key to achieving success. 00:31:03 - Lantern Group's Tools, Dr Kurt Nelson talks about the Lantern Group's tools that help employees set and achieve their goals. He introduces the Brain/Shift Journal, a 13-week guided journal with daily prompts based on behavioral science insights. The journal helps users create keystone goals, break them down into milestones, track progress, and cultivate gratitude. 00:32:46 - Keystone Goals, Keystone goals are those that have a larger-than-life impact, which align with keystone habits. The journal helps users determine the right goal and break it down into milestones. It includes prompts like priming, gratitude, and progress tracking to keep users motivated and on track. 00:35:02 - Conclusion Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Influence, by Robert Cialdini What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Mixed Signals, by Uri Gneezy Getting Along, by Amy Gallo Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis Connect with Kurt: Kurt on Twitter Lantern Group's Website Kurt on LinkedIn Top Recommended Next Episode: Secrets of Motivation and Incentives, with Tim Houlihan (ep 109) Already Heard That One? Try These: Influence, with Robert Cialdini (ep 157) Nudges and Choice Architecture (ep 35) Priming (ep 252) Framing (ep 16) iNcentives: The “N” in NUDGES (ep 272) Mixed Signals, with Uri Gneezy (ep 273) The Human Experience, with John Sills (ep 277) Getting Along, with Amy Gallo (ep 269) Both/And Thinking, with Wendy Smith (ep 261) The Microstress Effect, with Rob Cross (ep 287) I Human, with Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (ep 267) Cobra Effect (ep 220) Inequity Aversion (ep 224) Avoiding Everyday Disasters at Work, with Gleb Tsipursky (ep 111) Motivation and Incentives at Work, with Kurt Nelson (ep 187) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Smart Behavioral Economics Secrets Every Marketer Needs, with Melina Palmer Using Behavioral Economics to Help Businesses, with Melina Palmer
In today's episode, Ricardo guides you through the fascinating world of second-order consequences, focusing on the Cobra Effect. He explores how solutions that seemed reasonable in the short term can sometimes spawn more complex issues in a project environment if not adequately anticipated. Ricardo suggests you rethink your decision-making process and underline the importance of considering all potential outcomes before deciding. He closes the episode by talking about AI and its potential second-order consequences. Listen to the podcast to learn more.
Time- and money-based targets don't always serve the purpose we intend. In fact, sometimes, they actively work against us. Today we're spelunking into a few related principles like Goodhart's Law, The Cobra Effect, and why vanity metrics are often no more than a hungry ghost lurking in the shadows of your business. I couldn't resist sprinkling pop culture clips throughout to illustrate these concepts, so I hope you enjoy the ride :)
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Uri Gneezy. Uri's research focus is on putting behavioral economics to work in the real world, where theory can meet application. He is looking for basic research as well as more applied approaches to topics like incentives-based interventions to increase good habits and decrease bad ones, Pay-What-You-Want pricing, and the detrimental effects of small and large incentives. In addition to the traditional laboratory and field studies, he currently works with several firms conducting experiments which use basic findings from behavioral economics to help companies achieve their traditional goals in nontraditional ways. You may be familiar with Uri's name because he coauthored the wildly popular book, The Why Axis with John List, who was on the show last year talking about his book The Voltage Effect. I have a feeling you're going to really enjoy this conversation as it is about a topic people in business are thinking, talking and asking about all the time: incentives. Most specifically, Uri talks about what happens when we mix our messages (it happens a lot more often than you realize) and how that impacts behavior. There are tons of fascinating and practical examples in the book, and we will talk about a few of them today in the episode. Show Notes: [00:42] In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Uri Gneezy. Uri's research puts behavioral economics to work in the real world where theory can meet applications. [03:15] Uri shares his background and the work he does in behavioral science. He is a behavioral economist and most of his work is around how incentives really work and how they can change the world. [05:19] When you give the incentives it is not just the money, reward, or recognition that you give, you are also sending a message and telling a story. If you don't really understand how the incentive can shape or change the story you might send the wrong message. [07:03] Incentives are not good, wrong, or bad. It really depends on how you use them. [09:25] By changing the incentives from money to an item like a mug or pen you change the message that supports the signal that you want to send. [11:45] Uri shares about research around donating blood. [14:01] In the late '90s hybrid cars started to pop up. Toyota won the market with the signal they sent. [16:39] Different incentives work on different people. The incentives don't have to apply to everyone. [18:25] The role of incentives should be to push the story in the direction you want. Incentives are going to change the story. [21:27] Quality is much harder to control than value and sometimes it is subjective. How do you incentivize without damaging the quality? [24:30] We really need to be careful about the incentives we give. [27:00] If we want innovation we have to make sure we don't punish failure. [29:59] If you have an incentive in place, try to think about it and see if it really sends the message that you want to send. [30:51] The fact that you tried incentives and they didn't work doesn't mean that incentives don't work. It means that what you tried didn't work and it is time to try something else. [33:26] You need ways to measure your incentives and how they are working. [36:00] He decided to add cartoons to his book because they deliver the message better than just reading a long description and it makes it fun and less boring. [38:48] The Coca-Cola story is a very good example of how the framing of the incentive can give a completely different experience. [40:26] Not all incentives are created equal and you can understand more about them and predict how they will work if you understand the message they are sending. [41:55] Our brains have mental accounts. [44:30] If you find out what your clients care about you can use that to create your incentives. [46:51] The amount of money really sends a signal but gifts send a very different signal and meaning. [49:36] Make incentives simple. If you have many incentives, consolidate them. Make sure you align what you do with the message you want to give. [50:52] Melina's closing thoughts Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Mixed Signals, by Uri Gneezy The Why Axis, by Uri Gneezy and John List Drive, by Daniel Pink Quit, by Annie Duke Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith & Marianne Lewis Connect with Uri: Uri on LinkedIn Uri on Twitter Top Recommended Next Episode: The Voltage Effect with John List (ep 190) Already Heard That One? Try These: Secrets of Motivation and Incentives, Tim Houlihan Interview (ep 109) Motivation and Incentives at Work with Kurt Nelson (ep 187) Incentives (ep 272) Social Proof (ep 87) Cognitive Semiotics and Metaphors with Sarah Thompson (ep 259) Using Semiotics in Retail with Rachel Lawes (ep 191) The Cobra Effect (ep 220) Priming (ep 18) Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, with Annie Duke (ep 227) Both/And Thinking with Dr. Wendy Smith (ep 261) Framing (ep 16) Anchoring and Adjustment (ep 11) Mental Accounting (ep 56) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter
In this episode, Nick and Chris look into the game theory of perverse incentives including the cobra effect. They meander into adjacent topics such as unintended consequences and the horseshoe theory of politics. _________________________________ Buy Justin's Book!! https://bit.ly/3KaMdnZ _____________________________________________ Connect with the show: Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/gametheorypod/comments/w35b8d/welcome_to_rgametheorypod/ Website: https://www.gametheorypod.com Game Theory on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gametheorypod Game Theory on Twitter: @GameTheoryPod https://twitter.com/GameTheoryPod Nick on Twitter: @tribnic https://twitter.com/tribnic Chris on Twitter: @ChrisAndrews315 https://twitter.com/ChrisAndrews315 _____________________________________________ Resources: Perverse Incentives: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perverse_incentive Streisand Effect: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect Denver Elementry School Families of Color event: https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-denver-elementary/fact-check-denver-elementary-school-says-families-of-color-event-was-open-to-all-families-idUSL1N2T1207 NFL Safety Regulations: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/03/27/players-alone-cant-be-responsible-for-using-helmets-as-weapons/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gametheory/message
Stephen Shapiro is a quintessential Free Timer. Throughout his 20+ year self-employment tenure, he has run a variety of experiments to optimize for freedom and joy. To name just a few: working one hour a day (for years!), clearing space for 15 weeks of travel and/or vacation each year, and week-long hotel stays for focused work sprints. We also talk about the “existential meltdown” that led to a business model redesign, and why he doesn't need or want to build a team right now, beyond an extended network of specialists, and why he'd rather sell 10 copies of his next book to the right readers (potential clients) than 10,000 copies to the masses. More About Stephen Shapiro: Stephen cultivates innovation by showing leaders and their teams how to approach, tackle and solve their business challenges. He sees what others can't: opportunities to improve innovation models and the cultures that support them. He is the author of six books, including Goal-Free Living, The Little Book of Big Innovation Ideas, Personality Poker, Best Practices are Stupid, and his latest, Invisible Solutions: 25 Lenses that Reframe and Help Solve Difficult Business Problems.
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
2022 was a great year for me and The Brainy Business. And, being this is a “best of” episode…here are some of my “best” moments from the year. I traveled to Amsterdam to speak at the fantastic IIEX Europe conference (thank you Greenbook!) and launched my second book, What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, with an in-person event and book signing. I was honored to be a runner-up in three categories of the Habit Weekly Awards this year and was an honoree on Greenbooks Future List, as well as the ESOMAR Insights250 list. Amazing! I continued teaching and added a class in advanced concepts of behavioral economics to the certificate program, which I'm really proud of and students have really enjoyed. We started testing out a second episode per week. I also got to meet and connect with some amazing people – 46 of them came on the show as guests in 2022 – that meant reading really great books and papers and learning about what is going on in the field, which is one of my favorite aspects of the work I do. I'm so lucky and honored for this life and love every minute of it and am so excited for the books and episodes coming in 2023! BUT before we get fully moving forward into the future, we have to look back and celebrate the best of 2022. Show Notes: [00:45] 2022 was a great year for me and The Brainy Business. And, being this is a “best of” episode…here are some of my “best” moments and memories from the year. [03:33] I also got to meet and connect with some amazing people – 46 of them came on the show as guests in 2022. [06:36] Thank you all for listening, subscribing, sharing, connecting on social media, and reaching out to let me know your wins and the behavioral economics concepts you have applied in your own businesses. [07:44] In 2022, the show had more than a quarter of a million downloads from 170 countries. Thank you! [08:29] TOP DOWNLOADS BY COUNTRY - US, UK, Canada, Australia, which have remained in the top 4 pretty much since the podcast started. India is fifth, followed by Germany… and then we get into some new territory! South Africa has moved up to being 7th in the world in 2022. We then have Spain in the number 8 spot followed by Mexico, and for the first time in the top 10 we have Taiwan! [10:08] TOP 10 STATES - Virginia, Massachusetts, Georgia, then Florida is 7, and Ohio holding out the # 6 spot again this year. Washington is in our number 5 spot with New York in number 4 and then Illinois with the third most downloads in 2022! Once again, we continue to have Texas at 2, and California still with the top most downloads of 2022. [12:37] With 249 episodes of content to choose from, we get our top 10 of the year, starting with episode 196 and my interview with Priscilla McKinney of Little Bird Marketing. [14:32] If you are interested in human behavior and having better content that really resonates with people, you are going to love this next one, episode 201 – Creating Content People Can't Help But Engage With, featuring Katelyn Bourgoin, is next on our list. [17:43] We are to number eight, which is episode 192 – AI, Blockchain, Machine Learning, with Manuj Aggarwal. The intersection of human behavior and technology – specifically with AI and Machine Learning, has been a big topic of conversation in the past couple of years. [18:51] That brings us to the 7th most downloaded episode of the year, 190 – The Voltage Effect with John List. [21:06] Next on our list, is 187 – Motivation and Incentives at Work, with Kurt Nelson. [22:28] If you have ever taken or considered creating an online course, you must listen to episode 193 – How to Make Online Courses People Enjoy, with Chris Rawlinson of 42Courses. [23:57] Now, moving on to the fourth most downloaded episode of the year, 197 – You Have More Influence Than You Think, with Vanessa Bohns. [25:22] Yale professor Zoe Chance was on in episode 189 sharing about her fantastic book, Influence Is Your Superpower and that episode is the third most downloaded of the year. [26:52] That brings us to the second most downloaded episode of 2022. Our only non-interview in the top 10! This was episode 198 – The Dunning Kruger Effect. [27:24] Essentially, the Dunning Kruger effect looks at the interesting relationship of confidence and competence, and how when we know very little about something (low competence) we have ridiculously high confidence but once we get a little more competence and we start to see all that we don't know…confidence tanks, and it is a slow build back up to build it back as we learn. [30:06] We've made it to the most downloaded episode of the year. Are you ready? It is…186 – Get It Done, with Ayelet Fishbach! [32:11] Considering this episode is coming out right around the time of “Quitter's Day” which is when most people will have given up their resolutions, it seems like a good time to refresh your motivation by listening to this great episode with Ayelet. [34:08] There is a link to all the books featured on the show this past year right here in the show notes. [36:26] I can't wait to see what 2023 has in store. Right now…I'm most excited about speaking at SXSW which is coming up in Austin in March. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Get It Done, by Ayelet Fishbach Influence Is Your Superpower, by Zoe Chance You Have More Influence Than You Think, by Vanessa Bohns The Voltage Effect, by John List What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Top Recommended Next Episode: Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation with Ayelet Fishbach (ep 186) Already Heard That One? Try These: Dunning-Kruger Effect (ep 198) The Cobra Effect (ep 220) Influence Is Your Superpower with Yale's Dr. Zoe Chance (ep 189) You Have More Influence Than You Think, Vanessa Bohns (ep 197) How To Make Online Courses People Enjoy (And Complete) with Chris Rawlinson of 42 Courses (ep 193) Motivation and Incentives at Work with Kurt Nelson (ep 187) The Voltage Effect with John List (ep 190) AI, Blockchain, Machine Learning, & Behavioral Economics with Manuj Aggarwal (ep 192) Creating Content People Can't Help But Engage With featuring Katelyn Bourgoin (ep 201) Anthropology, Market Research & Behavioral Economics with Priscilla McKinney (ep 196) Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, with Annie Duke (ep 227) Using Motivation and Happiness Science to Make 2023 Your Best Year Ever (ep 249) Best of The Brainy Business in 2021 (ep 184) The Best of The Brainy Business in 2020 (ep 133) The Best Content from the Brainy Business in 2019 (ep 82) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Best of 2021 Blog Post Best of 2020 Blog Post Best of 2019 Blog Post
Thank you so much for listening to the Choice Hacking podcast. Today's episode was brought to you by my newest Choice Hacking Academy course, "How to Win More Clients (with Science)."
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
Today's episode is one that originally aired on June 14, 2019, as part of an 8-part series I called “All the Biases” which took hundreds of biases and sorted them into different categories. Because our brains are complex interconnected webs, this could have been done in many ways and the biases mentioned could belong in multiple areas. I selected groupings based on what I thought would make the most sense to this audience and applying the information about our biased brains into business. This episode goes through a lot of concepts at a very high level. Unlike the foundations episodes of the podcast, which sometimes have a full hour dedicated to a full concept, many of these will get a sentence or only a few points. This episode is more about bringing your attention to the concepts, what is out there, and to scratch the surface of the complexity of our brains. I chose this episode as the refresh for this week because it mentions ambiguity and uncertainty aversion, which is the topic for this coming Friday's brand new foundations episode, so it felt like a nice way to set the stage for that. Ready to dig in on all the biases? Let's go… Show Notes: [00:39] Today's episode is one that originally aired on June 14, 2019, as part of an 8-part series I did called “All the Biases” which sorted hundreds of biases into different categories. [03:14] Our brains are lazy and they like to take the path of least resistance to get to what they believe to be a good enough answer as quickly as possible. [04:51] Because we are particularly lazy with math, we rely on the source of whatever is thrown our way. The brain would rather risk being wrong than take the time to do the numbers in everyday interactions. [07:17] It is important to know what people care about when you set up your messaging. [08:25] Due to “the less is better effect”, our preference changes when we evaluate things alone versus comparing them against others. [10:23] Due to the money illusion we tend to concentrate on the nominal or face value of our money instead of thinking of it in terms of how much it can get for us. We are more likely to spend money in smaller denominations. [13:09] Due to the IKEA effect people will value things more that they made themselves or partially assembled than things they did not. The endowment effect is where we value things we own more than things we do not. [15:45] Playing to win is not the same as playing not to lose (game theory). [15:58] We have all sorts of bad habits when it comes to placing a value on time. [18:20] If you have something people will be excited about you can make the wait a little more enjoyable to increase the experience. With a mundane task, reducing the wait as much as possible is key (or, often even better as discussed with Dilip Soman in episode 241, is to look at the opportunity within the wait). [20:44] “Hot hands” are not real (hot hands fallacy) but our brains like to think this is true due to the clustering illusion. Our brains like to look for patterns. [22:27] People are more likely to prefer the things they know to things that are unknown. We are much more likely to choose an option that we know the odds for even if they are terrible because we are so afraid of the unknown (ambiguity / uncertainty aversion). [24:36] Consider the known and know that the unknown doesn't negate everything else when making a decision. [25:59] When we want something today, we value it differently than tomorrow (time discounting). When we look at tomorrow or things we don't know about we expect the worst even when there is nothing to make us feel that way other than our own natures. [26:55] Most of us don't properly understand how averages impact our lives every day and this can impact the decisions we make in business. [27:15] Melina shares a story from Thinking Fast and Slow about regressive bias. [29:47] The instructor has attached a causal interpretation to the inevitable fluctuations of a random process. [32:00] Everything we know to be true is not necessarily true. It is easy to find the right answer to the wrong question. [33:25] The lesson is to know that our brains like to tell us stories. They write their own rules and details that serve what the subconscious thinks is best. Taking a little extra time and being a little more open can change your view and your success rate. [34:00] Melina's closing thoughts [35:02] Adapting your lenses and looking from multiple angles and depths is really important to make that possible, which is why an episode like this is so valuable. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Behavioral Science in the Wild, by Dilip Soman & Nina Mazar Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman Nudge, by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein Freakonomics, by Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner Top Recommended Next Episode: Behavioral Science in the Wild with Dilip Soman (episode 241) Already Heard That One? Try These: Overview of Personal Biases (ep 45) Biases Toward Others – Including Groups (ep 46) An Overview of Memory Biases (ep 48) Present Versus Future Biases (ep 49) Selective Attention Biases (ep 50) Biases Toward Novelty and Stories (ep 54) Anchoring & Adjustment (ep 11) Loss Aversion (ep 9) IKEA Effect (ep 112) Time Discounting (ep 51) Booms, Bubbles, and Busts (ep 30) Mental Accounting (ep 56) Endowment Effect (ep 139) Negativity Bias (ep 223) The Cobra Effect (ep 220) Game Theory (ep 228) Duration Neglect and the Peak End Rule (ep 97) Planning Fallacy (ep 114) Status Quo Bias (ep 142) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Less Is Better: When Low-value Options Are Valued More Highly than High-value Options The Disposition to Sell Winners Too Early and Ride Losers Too Long: Theory and Evidence Treatment Decisions Under Ambiguity Ambiguity and Nonparticipation: The Role of Regulation Risk, Ambiguity, and the Savage Axioms Statistics How To How to Feel Like You Have All the Time in the World (even If You Don't)
Kat covers the Cobra Effect, a maddening effect of government policies that backfire and do the opposite of what they intended. The consequences don't always involve animals, but when they do, it's RAT CITY in 1902 Hanoi, Tonkin, French Indochina. Explore the mystical origins of hamsters and the wonders of rat milk. Next, Hayley covers the Seven Sutherland Sisters, whose hair was so long (37 feet split between them all) they traveled in the circus as performers! Their lives became unrecognizable from their humble upbringing as turkey farmers... We want to be them. For More Night Classy! Produced by Parasaur Studios © 2022
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
Today we are digging in on inequity aversion – which is featured in chapter 12 of my new book, What Your Employees Need And Can't Tell You, titled “That's Not Fair!” Fairness is a fascinating topic and one that is really important in business. We strive to have fair standards in our business practices, in how we pay our employees, and in the offers we provide to customers…but should everything always be perfectly “fair”? Does it have to be fair? And…what the heck is “fair” anyway? Who decides what is fair? (and is that fair?) Tune in to hear all about it. You will also get to hear why fairness is like air, and what a bunch of capuchins can teach us about work (and why your employees might be ready to throw cucumbers). Listen in to learn all about inequity aversion, why it matters to business, and some tips for how to keep this from being a big problem in your work. Show Notes: [00:40] Today we are digging in on inequity aversion – which is featured in chapter 12 of my new book, What Your Employees Need And Can't Tell You, titled “That's Not Fair!” [02:32] Inequity aversion is a pretty easy concept on the surface. We want things to be equal (unless we are the ones getting the benefits…then we tend to be a little more lax in our demands for equality, right?) [03:19] I want to point out that fair and equal are not the same, and furthermore, equality is not the same as equity – remember this is inequity aversion, not inequality aversion. Equality means that everyone is given the same resources and opportunities. Equity recognizes that not everyone has the same circumstances and therefore provides resources in a way that can help receive an equal outcome. [06:02] What is “fair” and who gets to decide? One of my favorite quotes on this is from Mathew Liebermann who said, “Fairness seems a bit like air—its absence is a lot more noticeable than its presence.” [08:22] When we realize we aren't being treated or paid fairly – or even if we just suspect that something isn't fair everything else can come to a grinding halt. [11:25] According to a Bloomberg article and research by Joblist of 15,000 workers who quit during this time, 40% said the job market was more difficult than they expected, 20% miss people at their old company (and many of them didn't think that was going to impact them as much as it did), 17% said their new job is not what they hoped for, 16% realized their old job was better than they realized, and 9% have found themselves in a company with bad culture and management. 14% of those surveyed who had quit their jobs said they regretted it. [14:01] One thing we do know is that we pretty universally dislike and reject things that are unfair, the problem (as you are seeing here) is that what is fair is relative. [16:54] This brings up another interesting facet of inequity aversion – because we hate the inequitable, unfair and unequal, we will sometimes put ourselves in harm's way or give ourselves a worse outcome to keep someone else from getting an even better one. [19:07] A perceived slight from years back could combine with confirmation bias and the focusing illusion so one employee is sabotaging themselves and your team to keep someone in their or another department from “winning” anything. [21:00] Whenever there is a question of fairness, motivation will tank. We become distracted and disengaged regardless of whether we are intrinsically or extrinsically motivated. Incentives and motivation are so important when we think about job performance. [22:01] When it comes to our aversion to inequity, the best thing to do is to make sure your practices and policies (whether it is pay or anything else) are, of course, fair, and equitable to begin with. [23:37] Remember, of course, that something may not be equal and still be fair and equitable. [24:52] Start by asking what you are trying to achieve. [26:12] Next, what are your priorities? [28:04] Understanding the why behind the decision is really important. Some people might still feel slighted, but that is ok you just need to align that with your priorities and the different groups you are working with. [29:18] You have to be looking for the worst way this could be interpreted and what you might have missed. Who aren't you thinking about? What aren't you thinking about? Do not skip this step. [30:01] Don't rush something out and expect people will give you the benefit of the doubt–it doesn't often work that way. [30:50] Be as open, clear and transparent as you can be with as much as you can. This doesn't mean you need to publicize how much everyone makes, but you can explain what the wage bands are for each role and why, or if there is an algorithm to determine who gets a bonus or what their base level salary will be or where the cap is, make that publicly known. [32:06] Once you can make it equitable, explainable, AND transparent, it allows the focus to come off of the external motivations and incentives (those grapes and cucumbers) and focus instead on the purpose of their work and hopefully doing a job they love. Everything becomes easier when people aren't concerned about fairness, inequality, or inequity. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Drive, by Dan Pink Power of Regret, by Dan Pink What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race, by Kwame Christian Top Recommended Next Episode: Game Theory (episode 62) Already Heard That One? Try These: Availability Bias (episode 15)) Herding (episode 19) Social Proof (episode 87) Confirmation Bias (episode 75) Focusing Illusion (episode 89) Optimism Bias (episode 34) Cobra Effect (episode 220) Counterfactual Thinking (episode 68) Prefactual Thinking (episode 71) How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race, with Kwame Christian (episode 221) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Monkey's Reject Unequal Pay Why Monkeys (and Humans) are Wired for Fairness Millions of Americans Regret the Great Resignation Anomalies: The Ultimatum Game
PLEASE RATE, REVIEW, AND SUBSCRIBE! Follow all of us on Instagram! @uncommontakes @adam.muller @jimmy.hvd @piersmoreton @katherinerawlinson
1) What can rats and cobras teach us about unintended consequences? More than you may think.2) For over 40 years, he's been producing parody songs such as “Amish Paradise” and “Eat it.” How has Weird Al Yankovich not only survived but thrived for decades in the brutal world of comedy?3) You've probably seen it before, the famous slogan - “keep calm and carry on,” has been molded to fit just about every industry (we see you librarians and your “keep calm and read a book” shirts). Where did this phrase come from?http://www.commutethepodcast.comFollow Commute:Instagram - instagram.com/commutethepodcast/Twitter - @PodcastCommuteFacebook - facebook.com/commutethepodcast***Episode Sources/Go Deeper:https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/hanoi-rat-massacre-1902https://www.comicsbeat.com/silber-linings-the-enduring-appeal-of-weird-al-yankovic/https://www.businessinsider.com/the-surprising-history-of-keep-calm-and-carry-on-2015-6
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
Today, we get to talk about a very fun concept known as the cobra effect or the cobra problem. It is something I included in my upcoming book, What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, and I was very surprised at some of the early readers who work in the field and wrote comments like “WOW!” or called out this concept by name in their endorsement blurbs for the book. As I have said on the show before, there are hundreds of concepts, biases and heuristics in behavioral economics and behavioral science that are impacting our actions every day – it is near impossible to keep up with all of them, and sometimes you find a little golden nugget like this one which can be a new discovery for people even when they are experts in the field. I'm definitely not saying that I am the first person to talk about it or that no one knows about it. Rather, when I realized that it might be a little more obscure than I thought, it became a clear contender for its own dedicated episode sooner than later – plus it is awesome and the story of how it got that name is really interesting. Wanna hear that story and how you can use the cobra effect in business? Listen in… Show Notes: [00:41] Today, we get to talk about a very fun concept known as the cobra effect or the cobra problem. It is something I included in my upcoming book, What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You. [03:18] It all started way back when the British ruled India and the city of Delhi was infested with cobras. In order to help with the problem, the British set up a bounty and would pay anyone who brought in a cobra skin to help clean up the streets and keep people safe…but things didn't work out quite as intended. [04:45] And while the effect got its namesake from this cobra incident, it is by no means an isolated problem. Apparently, there was a very similar problem in Hanoi in 1902 when the French put in their sewer system, which essentially became a rat superhighway. [06:21] Just like the cobras, when the French got wise of the scheme, they did away with the bounty and everyone let their rats go free creating an even worse (quickly multiplying) problem. [07:49] Our next example comes from Bogota, Colombia, which tried to cut down on pollution and congestion on the roads in 2008 by limiting how often you could drive. [09:42] In my research I also found a story where the government of Quebec gave considerably more money to mental health programs than to orphanages from 1940-1960. So, to try and help those orphaned children who otherwise would have had nowhere to go, the Catholic Church of Quebec reportedly misdiagnosed many children with mental illnesses to get more funding. [11:10] The main lesson from the cobra effect is that “no loophole goes unexploited.” Incentives are great and they can absolutely work, but you need to be really thoughtful about what someone might do to benefit from whatever you are proposing. [12:16] It is always so important to look beyond the surface solution and consider the problem you are really solving before you move forward with a course of action. When you think about the problem, it is important to get out of your own perspective and understand what someone really needs and what is practical for them. [13:58] You need to consider the problem you are trying to solve AND how it lines up with the real behavior of other people, as well as what they have control over and what you have control over in the new world you are proposing. Nudges and other tactics can only get you so far. You also have to really get out of your own way and think about how someone might see this differently than you. [15:41] There are lots of valid and useful incentives and not everyone is going to take advantage of the loophole or even see it…but if the loophole is big enough and there are enough people willing to jump through it that can be a time where your solution makes the problem worse. [17:42] Every decision has an impact – even the decision to do nothing – and changing one thing can change many things that are related even if you don't think about them (and it isn't always in a positive way). [19:11] It is important to spend some more time thinking about those possible loopholes, and it is important to get into the mindset of the person who would be in the situation. [19:49] The ability to be “in the moment” with someone else, to empathize and imagine we are part of that experience and show “How might we?” is so valuable and such an amazing skill. When you put yourself in that space, you can think differently, and that is really helpful when you are looking for exploitable loopholes. [21:03] Melina shares questions you should ask if you are considering implementing a payout (use your free worksheet to follow along). [22:19] Even small incentives can cause people to look for loopholes and to find opportunities for their own benefit. [25:38] Rules need to be put in place to adjust for possible loopholes. Maybe there are restrictions that need to go in place, but if there are too many restrictions, take a moment to consider if the plan is a good one or if it is time to go back to the drawing board. [27:54] It is better to be thoughtful about these loopholes and restrictions up front instead of looking back after the fact and regretting the choices you could have made differently once you have the power of hindsight. [29:02] If you haven't already, will you consider pre-ordering a copy of my upcoming book, What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You? In it, I talk about the cobra effect, and so many other important concepts from behavioral science and how they can be applied to business to help teams work and communicate better together. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Choice Hacking, by Jennifer Clinehens Freakonomics, by Stephen Dubner & Steven Levitt Behavioral Insights, by Michael Hallsworth Drive, by Dan Pink What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Top Recommended Next Episode: Nudging for Good at Walmart with Sarah Wilson (episode 206) Already Heard That One? Try These: Do Nudges Work? with Michael Hallsworth (episode 218) Counterfactual Thinking (episode 68) Secrets of Motivation and Incentives, Tim Houlihan Interview (episode 109) Motivation and Incentives at Work with Kurt Nelson (episode 187) Where CX and Behavioral Science Meet, interview with Jennifer Clinehens, author of Choice Hacking (episode 141) The Power of Regret with Daniel Pink (episode 214) The Most Important Step in Applying Behavioral Economics: Understanding the Problem (episode 126) Incentives - The "N" In NUDGES (episode 36) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter The Cobra Effect: No Loophole Goes Unexploited What is the Cobra Effect The Cobra Effect The Most Ironic Examples Of The Cobra Effect Check out What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You on Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, and Booktopia
We're back for Season 2, and things are better than ever! This week we're talking about snakes
Take a trek to India with me during the 1500's and listen to how an incentivization game gone terribly wrong gave rise to the term for perverted loopholes, rats with nubs, and a police forces use of hello kitty. I also celebrate a new DIY Wealth founder and our ability to lock in a hefty 800k bag of future net worth for him!Q's on the show today:1) What's your top three benefits being completely FI?2) The important differences between cheap & frugal.3)House purchasing apprehensions & a couple ways to overcome them.4) Where should I park my money for 2 years?@ZacDIYWealthPatreon (Financial Coaching)Tik TokInstagramFacebookTwitterWebsite (record your questions)****Disclaimer: Zachary Juergensen is not providing or undertaking to provide any financial, economic, legal, accounting, tax, real estate or official advice in or by virtue of this podcast. The information, statements, comments, views and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and such information, statements, comments, views and opinions, and the receipt of this podcast by any listener, are not intended to be and should not be construed as the provision of official advice by Zachary Juergensen, to that listener or generally, and do not result in any listener being considered a client or customer of Zachary Juergensen. The information, statements, comments, views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not constitute and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any asset or to make or consider any investment or course of action.***Support the show
How's 2022 going so far? I can't seem to make the switch...In my mind it is still 2020... Get Caught Trying to Make the World Better! Best Safety Podcast, Safety Program, Safety Storytelling, Investigations, Human Performance, Safety Differently, Operational Excellence, Resilience Engineering, Safety and Resilience Incentives... Give this a listen. Thanks for listening and tell your friends. See you on Audible...all my books are up on there. One of them is read by a British dude - it is like a Harry Potter book! Have a great day as well.
Some clients employ incentives are producing poor results that are far worse than they ever imagined. Forcing a repossession vendor to work assignments on a contingent basis have tanked repossession recovery ratios. Clients are losing countless $20k vehicles by lowballing the very people that could recover them.
Presented by 3Chi. The Great Hanoi Rat Massacre, Cobra Effect Facts, Turkey and Iraq, Hogs, Large Injured, The Slap, and more ...
The Cobra Effect - a particularly extreme form of unintended consequences - isn't limited to India and Vietnam. In China, the technically successful Four Pests eradication campaign led to tremendous ecological disaster, as the mass murder of sparrows led to a plague of ravenous locusts. In part two of this week's two part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore what went wrong, how it affected later generations, and what the Cobra Effect can teach us about unforeseen consequences. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Back in the days of the British Raj, colonial leaders had a problem: Delhi was overrun with snakes. And not just any snakes -- cobras. These dangerous death noodles slithered through every nook and cranny in town. The solution? Put a bounty on cobras, and allow any citizen to receive payment for every cobra skin they bring in. While this seemed like a good idea at first, it quickly led to even more snakes pouring into town. So what happened? In part one of this week's two-part episode, Ben and Noel explore the strange series of missteps so ridiculous that it inspired a new, powerful concept: The Cobra Effect. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
T-Bone's Unpopular Opinion of the Day is so controversial...you'll never believe what happened! In this episode, we talk about the Wuhan, Secrets, Dream talk, Running, those gosh darn Canadian truckers, the Cobra Effect, Lemon tarts, Bread, and of course we got your headlines and Birthday Boosts!Two fan questions this week:1) What is something new you've tried to cook?2) What is your favorite Girl Scout cookie?In our magic mirror we see....Melanie, Jodi Ann, Angel, Mary, Pat, Ace, Marijo, Keith and Keith, that's two different Keiths, Casey, Kitt, Dan, Adam, Milt, Glenn, Pat, and of course Paul Thomas III.
Paul Orlando joins Jerod to talk through some unintended consequences that occur when systems operate at scale. We discuss Goodhart's Law, The Cobra Effect, how to design incentive systems, dependency management decisions, the risks of autonomous vehicles, and much more along the way.
We've all heard the saying about “the best laid plans….” but there is a caveat to that. Not all unexpected consequences are bad. Sometimes something really amazing occurs unexpectedly.This episode tells the story of Henry Molaison, better known as Patient HM, or “the most important brain in the history of neuroscience.” Henry didn't set out to be a guiding light for the world of neuroanatomy. He just wanted a cure for his epilepsy. But what happened to him and the impact he had on the world is a story that needs to be told.We will also hunt for cobras in India, and try to explain why that plan backfired.Dr Seema Nagpal from Diabetes Canada will join us to explain the often unseen impact diabetes has on people, and to offer some thought on what the consequences of a cure might be.These science stories from history help shed light on the modern research being done on Type 2 Diabetes. Specifically, we highlight the work of SciMar as they examine the hormone hepatalin and the effect it has on glucose levels in people who are living with type 2 diabetes. www.SciMar.ca
Anthony talks about China's Four Pests initiative....and one pest in particular. Adam gets philosophical with an exploration of the Perverse Incentive....formerly known as the Cobra Effect. Hosts: Anthony Staten, Adam Azra'el Producer: Adam Azra'el
Dr. Antony Davies joins me to talk about why printing money, or inflation, is a tax on savings. We talk about the Cobra Effect and the law of unintended consequences. Davies says that the United States is not concerned with socialism, but transferism. We talk about UBI, COVID-19, human cooperation versus coercion, the "non-essential worker" fallacy and much more! •Learn Liberty: https://www.learnliberty.org/speakers/antony-davies/ •Foundation for Economic Education: https://fee.org/people/antony-davies/ •Antony Davies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcbRiRJEHq9hwpXiL_OJvTQ •Cooperation and Coercion: https://www.amazon.com/Cooperation-Coercion-Busybodies-Busybullies-Economics/dp/161017156X •Words and Numbers Podcast: https://fee.org/shows/audio/words-numbers/
--Episode 15 - How to Align Incentives to Achieve Your Desired Outcome--Sam McRoberts, CEO of VUDU Marketing and the author of Screw the Zoo, and Jayson DeMers, CEO of EmailAnalytics, discuss How to Align Incentives to Achieve Your Desired Outcome.With many decades of combined business and digital marketing experience, Jayson and Sam will walk you through everything you need to know as you go through your own entrepreneurial journey.Links to things mentioned in the podcast:The Cobra EffectTrust Game Theory - Animated Explainer--New episodes go live every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8am Pacific--