Podcast Summary: The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
Episode 472: Achieving Hyper Performance
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host: Melina Palmer
Guest: Dr. Agnes Stieb
Introduction and Guest Background
In Episode 472 of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer delves into the intricacies of achieving hyper performance with renowned behavioral economics expert, Dr. Agnes Stieb. The episode, originally aired in June 2022, explores the intersection of human psychology, technology, and organizational behavior to unlock unprecedented levels of performance and satisfaction in both individuals and businesses.
Melina Palmer [00:34]: “One of my favorite case studies to share is of a company called The Literary... My guest today, Dr. Agnes Stieb, was a big part of the behavioral aspects that went into that company.”
Dr. Stieb introduces her passion for removing psychological obstacles to enhance performance, emphasizing that true improvement comes not from adding more skills but from eliminating counterproductive thinking.
Dr. Agnes Stieb [02:09]: “Hyper Performance... removing the obstacles from human thinking. It's our counterproductive psychology that is oftentimes the roadblock to our own success and happiness...”
Understanding Human Biases and the STIB Method for Hyper Performance
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around human biases and how they impede performance. Dr. Stieb explains the STIB Method, a transformation design methodology aimed at fostering hyper performance by addressing these psychological barriers.
Dr. Agnes Stieb [35:59]: “Technology is a tool, we are developing it. Our intentions are behind whether it's good or bad, ethical or unethical.”
The STIB Method comprises three major stages with ten tools:
- Guidance Phase: Establishing clear objectives (green vectors) and identifying potential pitfalls (yellow and red vectors).
- Investigation Phase: Deep psychological analysis to pinpoint issues rooted in human thinking.
- Design Phase: Utilizing data-driven intelligence and instant feedback loops to encourage positive behavioral changes.
Melina Palmer [36:23]: “... guiding phase has two tools... framework of eight tools... investigation phase with four tools... design phase fundamentally is data driven with intelligence to analyze this data...”
Case Studies: Social Proof and The Literary Project
Dr. Stieb shares compelling case studies illustrating the power of behavioral economics in driving performance.
1. Enhancing Punctuality in Meetings
One notable example involves increasing punctuality in organizational meetings without traditional incentives. By displaying a real-time chart of attendees' punctuality, participants became more conscientious about their arrival times due to social influence.
Dr. Agnes Stieb [14:18]: “After five meetings, everyone was on time. Every single person was on time. It took five meetings.”
Dr. Agnes Stieb [18:13]: “What's the role of technology in this experience?... Technology is taking away the bias because everyone can remember, okay, that person was late or that person wasn't...”
Despite initial resistance labeling it as public shaming, the transparency fostered a culture of accountability and mutual encouragement, demonstrating the effectiveness of social proof in behavior modification.
2. The Literary Project
Another significant project discussed is The Literary, a startup focused on reducing litter through smart garbage cans that reward proper waste sorting with lottery tickets. Dr. Stieb elaborates on how adding a social layer to the lottery system amplified its effectiveness, fostering community engagement and collective responsibility.
Melina Palmer [26:23]: “We can quantify that and this is what the work that I did at MIT Media Lab, the quantifying communities...”
Dr. Agnes Stieb [22:40]: “... integrating the social influence to that instant feedback loop about other positive behaviors...”
This approach not only leveraged individual incentives but also harnessed communal pride and cooperation, leading to sustained behavioral change.
The Role of Technology and AI in Behavioral Change
The discussion transitions to the pivotal role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in facilitating behavioral transformations. Dr. Stieb emphasizes that AI should be viewed as an extension of human intelligence, designed to aid rather than replace human decision-making.
Melina Palmer [11:00]: “AI looking at data and trying and giving more deeper insights into behavioral patterns...”
Dr. Agnes Stieb [32:08]: “Technology is perceived by an average human being the same way as an average human being perceives another human being...”
She highlights how AI can enhance transparency, reliability, and provide instant feedback, thereby mitigating human biases and fostering more informed and consistent behaviors.
Melina Palmer [18:13]: “Technology is taking away number one, the bias because everyone can remember, okay, that person was late or that person wasn't...”
Moreover, the integration of AI with behavioral science offers organizations the tools to analyze and influence decision-making processes effectively.
Biases Towards Technology and Human Psychology
Dr. Stieb and Palmer explore the polarized relationships humans often have with technology—admiration turning into fear and resentment. Dr. Stieb posits that these biases mirror how we perceive other humans, driven by innate survival instincts and social comparison.
Malik Melina Palmer [42:08]: “Technology is perceived by an average human being the same way as an average human being perceives another human being...”
This analogy underscores the importance of designing technology that aligns with human cognitive and emotional frameworks to ensure positive interactions and acceptance.
Ethics and Long-Term Assurance in Behavioral Design
Concluding the methodology discussion, Dr. Stieb stresses the importance of ethics and long-term assurance in deploying behavioral technologies. Ensuring that technologies are used ethically and maintaining systems that support sustained positive behavior without unintended negative consequences is crucial.
Melina Palmer [35:59]: “Technology is a tool, we are developing it. Our intentions are behind whether it's good or bad...”
Closing Remarks and Resources
The episode wraps up with Melina Palmer highlighting the valuable insights shared by Dr. Stieb and directing listeners to additional resources for deeper exploration.
Melina Palmer [44:31]: “I also love the example of social proof to help get people to show up on time to meetings...”
Listeners are encouraged to visit Dr. Stieb's website and YouTube channel for more information, as well as to watch her TED Talks for further inspiration.
Notable Quotes
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Dr. Agnes Stieb [02:09]: “Hyper Performance... removing the obstacles from human thinking. It's our counterproductive psychology that is oftentimes the roadblock to our own success and happiness...”
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Melina Palmer [36:23]: “... guiding phase has two tools... framework of eight tools...”
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Dr. Agnes Stieb [14:18]: “After five meetings, everyone was on time. Every single person was on time. It took five meetings.”
-
Dr. Agnes Stieb [18:13]: “Technology is taking away the bias because everyone can remember, okay, that person was late or that person wasn't...”
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Dr. Agnes Stieb [32:08]: “Technology is perceived by an average human being the same way as an average human being perceives another human being...”
Final Thoughts
Episode 472 provides a deep dive into how understanding and leveraging human psychology, combined with strategic use of technology, can lead to exceptional performance outcomes. Dr. Agnes Stieb's insights offer actionable strategies for individuals and organizations aiming to transcend traditional performance metrics and achieve lasting, meaningful success.
Resources:
- Dr. Agnes Stieb’s Website: agnessstieb.com
- YouTube Channel: Melina Palmer’s YouTube
- Past Episodes: Available in show notes and at thebrainybusiness.com