This is my favorite chart from To Sell is Human, one that I explain in greater detail in a new Washington Post column. Here’s what it means and why it matters. This summer Adam Grant, the youngest tenured professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, conducted a study that explodes the myth of […]
It’s the question that has vexed philosophers and statesmen since the time of Cicero: Can emotionally intelligent signage reduce napkin use in fast food restaurants? Now Burger King restaurants are working on an answer with emotionally intelligent messages printed directly on the napkins themselves. (Thanks to Joseph Hrycak and NudgeBlog for this example)
Matthew May sends this vintage (1958) award-winning ad for McGraw-Hill, which even today offers a smart and tart reminder for all of us trying move others.
According to Gallup, the verdict is mixed. In a December poll, the venerable research company found that the only people held in lower ethical esteem than members of Congress were sellers of cars. But insurance salespeople managed to trump both Senators and ad executives. Read more here.
Chapter 7 of To Sell is Human explores the art and science of pitching — the ability to distill one’s point to its persuasive essence. Along the way I show why we need to move beyond the elevator pitch and why the social science says we should pitch with questions and even rhymes. But I never expected
Here’s a great 3-minute video about the powerful but often overlooked emotion of awe. Stanford PhD candidate Melanie Rudd explains what awe is and why it can help us feel more “time affluent.”(For more, check out Rudd’s paper, written with Kathleen Vohs and Jennifer Aaker.)
For all the yammering about the fiscal cliff, another cliff might present a more perilous danger — what the folks at Gallup call the “school cliff.” Never heard of that one? Take a look at chart below — and you’ll grok it immediately. As this Gallup blog post explains: “[Our] research strongly suggests that the longer
Check out this amazing short film — about one man’s quest to make a city smile — which premiered today. If it doesn’t make your day, I’ll give you your money back. (Full disclosure: I know the filmmaker).
If you’re looking for fresh reading for 2013 (or perhaps an eleventh-hour tax deduction for 2012), I hope you’ll check out my new book, To Sell is Human, which hits bookstores today. For more details, listen to this interview on NPR’s Morning Edition or watch the 2-minute trailer below. Here’s to a healthy and happy new year!
Three hundred and sixty-five days ago, I offered 10 predictions for the year that ends on Monday. How’d I do? In the name of transparency and feedback, I’ve listed my 2012 predictions below — along with a short evaluation indicated in blue. “1. American Politics. In the 2012 presidential race, one candidate will win the popular
