Behavioral science is the science of how people behave. Or not. Working with the public, you know that human behavior can be hard (but not impossible) to predict and uncivil at times, delightful at others. Here you can read a collection of the latest news, handpicked by our seasoned and expert facilitators and trainers. Keeping up to date with the latest in behavioral science helps you better understand the people with whom you work and those you represent. And better understanding leads to better anticipation and preparation. As a result, better communication and facilitation is bound to happen. Read on, fearless facilitator, and be sure to send us a note about your reactions.
As people rely more and more on email, text, social and all other impersonal ways to connect to others, we know we’re losing something in translation. If you’re wondering what this means to you, consider the research from Western University that says face to face requests are 34 times more ...
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I’m ok remembering three (3) things when I go to the grocery store, but if the list blooms into four or more items, I better write it down. And no, it’s not age (and yes, I do have clothes old enough to vote) and I’m not alone. The rule of ...
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Lord knows the world needs experts in science, technology, engineering and math. And those STEM experts need to be able to communicate to non-STEM experts ’cause there’s a lot more of the latter than there is of the former. Our future depends on it. Read More…...
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As a facilitator and evangelist of civil discourse, it gives me no pleasure to say that civil discourse feels dead – at least in national politics. The general national malaise that we now read and hear about (depression, drug and alcohol abuse) has happened before, so I’m going to believe ...
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In an age of unchecked, professional propaganda, keeping people on edge and jumping at boogiemen and shadows is a very useful strategy. It works because we suck at judging things to be true or not. It helps to better understand where conspiracy theories come from. Read More …...
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We spend a lot of time thinking about how people think…or not. Or more precisely how people feel as opposed to think. It’s often tough for thinking people to wrap their heads around people’s emotions and feelings, and apparently Bill and Elon think/feel the same way. But I think ...
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Growing up in America’s cheese state and having lived, and then worked, all across this country has shown me that people, although similar in many ways, are weirdly different in specific parts of the U.S. It appears that we have three very different personalities: friendly and conventional, relaxed and creative, ...
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A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a lovely, thoughtful film. Whether you or your kids grew up watching Mr. Rogers or not, go see it. Especially this holiday season, given our current state of public discourse and general political discombobulation and the work that we all do. You’ll feel ...
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This story was penned by an experienced academic and practicing mediator, but everything in it really resonated for me and I thought you might like these six basic lessons....
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Competence, integrity and empathy are key ingredients when it comes to who we trust, which explains why many people have a difficult time trusting those who hold power over us. Read More …...
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