Posts Tags Categories

Unlocking Good: Inspiring Actions for Positive Change

By Scarlett Murphy | Published on  
Discover the power of observability, eliminating excuses, and communicating expectations in motivating positive actions. Explore how timing and social influence play a role in encouraging good deeds.

Have you ever wondered how we can motivate people to do more good in their daily lives? Whether it’s voting, giving to charity, conserving resources, or even something as simple as washing their mugs at work to keep the sink clean, encouraging positive actions can sometimes be a challenge. But what if I told you that a small change in how we make these actions observable can make a significant impact?

I remember when I first started working on this problem, collaborating with a power company to recruit customers for a program that prevents blackouts by reducing energy demand during peak hours. The program itself was based on a reliable technology, hailed as the cornerstone to modernize America’s electrical grid. However, there was one crucial weakness: people needed to sign up voluntarily.

To tackle this, the power company initially sent out nice letters to customers, highlighting the program’s benefits and asking them to call a hotline if interested. Unfortunately, the response was dishearteningly silent. That’s when we suggested a simple change that made a world of difference. Instead of relying on a hotline, we proposed using sign-up sheets posted near email boxes in people’s buildings. Surprisingly, this small adjustment tripled participation rates.

Why did it work? Well, it turns out people care deeply about what others think of them. We all strive to be seen as generous and kind while avoiding the label of selfishness or opportunism. Even if we’re not consciously aware of it, our reputation plays a significant role in why we choose to do good. By implementing small changes that give individuals more credit for their positive actions, we can tap into this intrinsic desire to be recognized.

Think about it—switching from a hotline where nobody knows about your good deed to a sign-up sheet visible to anyone passing by can make all the difference. This concept of harnessing reputations extends beyond power companies; it’s applicable in collaborations with governments, nonprofits, and companies alike when we aim to encourage more good deeds.

Observability, as we call it, is the first item on our checklist for motivating people to do more good. We need to increase awareness and make sure others find out about the positive actions taking place. Now, you might be thinking, “But Jane, wouldn’t people think it’s only worth doing good if they receive credit for it?” And you’re right. In most cases, people don’t solely act for recognition. However, when making decisions in private, we tend to focus on our own problems, like what to have for dinner or how to pay the bills on time.

By making the decision to do good more observable, individuals start paying more attention to the opportunities at hand. It taps into their existing desire to make a positive impact, in this case, helping to prevent a blackout. Remember the example I mentioned earlier about the nonprofit that sends out letters to remind people to vote? By adding a simple sentence saying, “Someone may call you to find out about your experience at the polls,” it increased the effectiveness of the letter by 50%. This observability not only made the letter more impactful but also reduced the cost of acquiring an additional vote.

Observability has proven successful in various areas, such as blood donation campaigns listing donors’ names in local newsletters or public websites naming tax delinquents to encourage timely payments. It can even motivate people to purchase more fuel-efficient cars, like the Toyota Prius, by making their good deed visible from afar.

However, observability alone is not enough. We’ve all witnessed situations where people walk by opportunities to do good without taking action. They might pull out their phones and pretend to be busy when approached for a donation or simply walk past the donation box at a museum. This brings

Imagine a world where more people actively engage in positive actions, whether it’s going to the polls, donating to charities, or conserving resources. How can we motivate individuals to do more good? As I reflect on the memories shared by the speaker, I realize that harnessing the power of reputations and increasing observability can play a crucial role.

When the power company collaborated with us to recruit customers for a program that aimed to prevent blackouts by reducing energy demand during peak hours, we faced a common challenge—getting people to sign up. Initially, they sent out informative letters highlighting the program’s benefits and urging interested individuals to call a hotline. Unfortunately, the response was disappointingly silent.

However, a small change made a significant impact. Instead of relying solely on the hotline, we suggested using sign-up sheets placed near email boxes in residential buildings. The results were astounding—participation rates tripled. Why did this simple modification work so well? It turns out that people care deeply about what others think of them. We have an inherent desire to be perceived as generous and kind while avoiding any label of selfishness or opportunism.

By making small changes that allow individuals to receive credit for their positive actions, we tap into this intrinsic motivation to do good. It’s fascinating to see how switching from a hotline, where nobody would find out about your good deed, to a sign-up sheet visible to passersby can make a remarkable difference. This concept of observability extends beyond the power company’s program; it can be applied in various collaborations with governments, nonprofits, and companies to encourage individuals to do more good.

Observability, as we call it, is the first item on our checklist for motivating people. We must increase awareness and ensure that positive actions are visible to others. You might be wondering, “But why would people think it’s only worth doing good if they receive recognition?” It’s a valid concern, and in most cases, people don’t solely act for the sake of recognition. However, when making decisions in private, we tend to prioritize our own immediate needs, such as putting food on the table or paying bills on time.

This is where observability comes into play. By making the decision to do good more visible, individuals start to pay more attention to the opportunities at hand. It taps into their existing desire to make a positive impact. For instance, the speaker mentioned a nonprofit that sent letters to remind people to vote. By including a simple sentence stating, “Someone may call you to find out about your experience at the polls,” the effectiveness of the letter increased by 50%. This observability not only made the letter more impactful but also reduced the cost of acquiring an additional vote.

Observability has proven successful in various domains. Blood donation campaigns have listed donors’ names in local newsletters, leading to increased donation frequency. Similarly, publicly listing tax delinquents has encouraged timely payments. Even Toyota used observability to motivate individuals to buy fuel-efficient cars like the Prius, by making their good deed visible from afar.

While observability is a powerful tool, it’s important to note that it’s not the only factor at play. We’ve all witnessed instances where people walk past opportunities to do good without taking action. They might feign busyness when approached for a donation or ignore the donation box at a museum. This brings us to the importance of eliminating excuses.

By addressing potential barriers and eliminating excuses, we can create a conducive environment for individuals to engage in positive actions. The speaker mentioned an interesting example involving the Salvation Army. When the volunteers stood in front of only one door, people would avoid giving by exiting through the other door. But when the volunteers stood in front of both doors

Imagine walking past an opportunity to do something good, knowing deep down that you could make a positive impact. We’ve all been there. Sometimes, we come up with excuses, consciously or unconsciously, that prevent us from taking action. But what if there was a way to eliminate those excuses and create a conducive environment for doing good?

Reflecting on the memories shared by the speaker, I’m reminded of an interesting example involving the Salvation Army. When volunteers stood in front of just one door, people would intentionally exit through the other door, finding reasons like not seeing the volunteer or needing to retrieve something from a different area. Excuses were abundant, and it hindered the act of giving.

However, when the volunteers stood in front of both doors, something unexpected happened. People stopped coming out of the store altogether. It puzzled the researchers, but upon further investigation, they discovered a smaller utility door used for recycling that people started using to avoid the volunteers. It became clear that if we want to eliminate excuses, we need to be thorough and address all possible avenues people might take to avoid doing good.

This teaches us a valuable lesson. When trying to motivate individuals to engage in positive actions, we must carefully consider the barriers they face and find ways to remove them. Excuses can be creative and varied, but it’s our responsibility to ensure that there are no loopholes. By addressing these barriers, we create an environment where doing good becomes the norm, rather than the exception.

In our quest to eliminate excuses, we have seen remarkable results. By implementing small changes and strategic approaches, we can significantly increase participation rates. Consider the example of encouraging tuberculosis patients to complete their treatment. Taking strong antibiotics every day for six months can be incredibly challenging. It often makes patients feel sick, alters bodily functions, and requires frequent visits to the clinic, which can be inconvenient and costly.

On top of these physical and logistical challenges, there’s also the stigma associated with having the disease. Patients may feel the need to hide their condition, particularly in places where domestic violence is prevalent. It’s no wonder that many individuals struggle to complete their treatment.

However, our approach, which focuses on eliminating excuses, has proven effective. We developed a system in collaboration with a mobile health startup called Keheal to support TB patients throughout their treatment journey. We implemented a process where patients are required to log in and verify that they have taken their medication. If they fail to do so, we send them reminders. If they still don’t comply, we notify a team of supporters who reach out via calls and texts to motivate them to continue the treatment.

By removing excuses and implementing this thorough approach, we witnessed significant improvements. Patients without access to our platform were three times more likely to discontinue their treatment. This shows that by addressing barriers and providing continuous support, we can make a real difference in ensuring positive actions are taken.

So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to do something good or witness others walking past opportunities to make a positive impact, remember the importance of eliminating excuses. Let’s create an environment where doing good becomes the norm, and barriers are dismantled, paving the way for a brighter, more compassionate future.

Have you ever encountered situations where people seem to bypass opportunities to do good, even when it’s right in front of them? It’s a common occurrence, and sometimes, the reasons behind these actions are rooted in human behavior. As I reflect on the memories shared by the speaker, a particular example involving the Salvation Army stands out, offering valuable insights into how we can encourage positive actions.

Picture this: a Salvation Army volunteer standing by the entrance of a store, ringing their bell, and collecting donations. However, researchers discovered an interesting phenomenon. When the volunteer stood in front of only one door, people found ways to avoid giving by exiting through the other door. They would come up with excuses like not seeing the volunteer or needing to tend to something on the opposite side. It became clear that when given the opportunity, people would find ways to bypass the call for action.

To tackle this challenge, a simple yet effective solution emerged. The researchers decided to station volunteers in front of both doors, ensuring that individuals couldn’t easily evade the act of giving. However, something unexpected happened—the number of people coming out of the store decreased significantly. It turned out that there was a smaller utility door, typically used for recycling, that people started using to avoid the volunteers altogether.

This fascinating observation teaches us an essential lesson when it comes to encouraging positive actions: we must be thorough in eliminating excuses. People are remarkably creative in finding ways to evade what they perceive as expectations. Therefore, it becomes crucial to address all possible avenues that individuals might take to avoid doing good.

By understanding and anticipating these potential barriers, we can create an environment where doing good becomes the norm. We need to ensure that there are no loopholes, no easy escape routes for individuals to avoid their responsibility. When we are diligent in eliminating excuses, we create a space where positive actions are encouraged and hugged by all.

This lesson from the Salvation Army example extends beyond the realm of donations. It applies to various situations where we want to motivate individuals to engage in positive actions, whether it’s volunteering, supporting a cause, or simply being kind to one another. When we communicate expectations clearly and eliminate avenues for excuses, we enable people to take action and make a difference.

So, the next time you find yourself faced with an opportunity to do good, remember the lessons from the Salvation Army. Stand in front of both doors, metaphorically speaking, and ensure that there are no easy ways to bypass the call for positive action. Let’s create a world where doing good becomes the default choice, leaving no room for excuses. Together, we can make a lasting impact and create a brighter future for all.

Let’s talk about tuberculosis (TB), a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, causing immense suffering and loss of life. Did you know that there has been a cure for TB for the past 70 years? It’s incredible, isn’t it? But here’s the challenge: people need to take their medications consistently to be cured and prevent the disease from spreading further. So, how do we motivate patients to stick with their treatment?

Reflecting on the memories shared by the speaker, I’m reminded of the profound impact that small changes can have on patient compliance. TB treatment is notoriously challenging—a rigorous regimen of taking strong antibiotics every single day for six months or more. These medications often induce unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and changes in urine color. Moreover, patients must regularly visit the clinic to obtain their medication, which can be logistically difficult, especially in areas with limited access to efficient transportation.

On top of these physical and logistical hurdles, there is also the burden of social stigma. Patients often feel the need to hide their condition due to the fear of judgment or discrimination. Imagine being in a situation where disclosing your illness could potentially harm your relationships, especially in places where domestic violence is prevalent. It’s no wonder that many patients struggle to complete their treatment.

However, there is hope. The speaker shared insights into an innovative approach that aims to motivate TB patients to stick with their treatment. Collaborating with a mobile health startup called Keheal, they developed a system to provide support throughout the treatment journey. The approach involves addressing potential barriers and eliminating excuses that could hinder patients from taking their medication as prescribed.

One powerful technique employed is the requirement for patients to log in and verify that they have taken their medication. If they fail to do so, the system sends them reminders. But it doesn’t stop there. If patients still don’t comply, a team of supporters is notified. These supporters then reach out to the patients through calls and texts, providing encouragement and motivation to continue the treatment.

The results have been remarkable. By leveraging this comprehensive approach to eliminate excuses, patient compliance significantly improved. In fact, patients without access to this platform were three times more likely to discontinue their treatment. This demonstrates the immense impact that addressing barriers and providing ongoing support can have on patients’ adherence to treatment.

Imagine the lives that can be saved and the reduction in the spread of TB if more patients complete their treatment successfully. By taking a holistic approach and recognizing the multifaceted challenges patients face, we can create interventions that enable and support them throughout their journey towards recovery.

So, the next time you encounter someone struggling with a complex treatment regimen, remember the lessons learned from tackling TB. Let’s strive to understand the barriers they face and provide the necessary support to eliminate excuses. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by tuberculosis, ensuring better health outcomes and a brighter future for all.

Imagine a scenario where you have a critical illness, and the key to your recovery lies in consistently taking medication as prescribed. Sounds straightforward, right? But the reality is often far more challenging. Reflecting on the speaker’s memories, I want to share with you how behavioral techniques can play a crucial role in ensuring medication compliance and eliminating excuses.

Let’s consider the example of tuberculosis (TB) treatment, a process that requires patients to take strong antibiotics daily for an extended period, usually six months or more. These medications can have unpleasant side effects, making patients feel nauseous, dizzy, or experience changes in their urine color. It’s not an easy journey, to say the least.

On top of the physical challenges, patients also face logistical hurdles. They need to visit the clinic regularly to obtain their medication. For individuals living in areas with limited access to efficient transportation, this can become a significant barrier. Taking time off work and traveling long distances may seem impossible when every moment counts.

Moreover, there is the added burden of social stigma. Many patients feel compelled to hide their condition, fearing judgment or discrimination from others. In some cases, patients even face domestic violence, making it even more challenging to disclose their illness.

So, how do we ensure patients stay committed to their treatment? The speaker shared insights into an innovative approach that leverages behavioral techniques to address these challenges. Collaborating with a mobile health startup called Keheal, they developed a system designed to support TB patients throughout their treatment journey.

One key element of this approach is eliminating excuses. Patients are required to log in and verify that they have taken their medication. It serves as a reminder to adhere to the prescribed regimen. But it doesn’t stop there. If patients fail to comply, the system sends them reminders again. And if they still don’t take action, a team of supporters steps in, reaching out through calls and texts to offer motivation and encouragement.

By implementing these behavioral techniques, the results have been astounding. Patients who had access to this platform were much more likely to complete their treatment successfully. In fact, the data showed that patients without access to this system were three times more likely to discontinue their treatment. It’s clear that by addressing barriers and providing ongoing support, we can significantly increase medication compliance rates.

Imagine the impact this can have on the lives of patients and the overall effectiveness of treatments. Through a comprehensive and compassionate approach, we can ensure that individuals receive the support they need, eliminating excuses and enabling them to prioritize their health.

So, the next time you find yourself or someone you know facing a challenging treatment regimen, remember the power of behavioral techniques. Let’s strive to eliminate excuses, provide continuous support, and make sure that no one falls through the cracks. Together, we can create a healthcare system that ensures every individual has the opportunity to thrive and live a healthier, happier life.

Have you ever wondered why some people readily engage in acts of kindness while others seem oblivious to opportunities to make a positive impact? Reflecting on the memories shared by the speaker, I want to delve into the power of communicating expectations and how it plays a vital role in encouraging good deeds.

In various situations, we come across moments where we are expected to do good. For instance, in Washington, DC, Japan, or London, metroriders are expected to stand on the right side of the escalator, allowing others to pass on the left. However, not every place adheres to this norm, and you may find escalators blocked on both sides, causing congestion and frustration. It highlights a general phenomenon—people are sensitive to cues that set expectations for their behavior in specific situations.

To address this challenge, we must communicate expectations clearly, letting individuals know what is expected of them. The speaker shared examples of simple yet effective techniques used to encourage positive actions. One approach involves highlighting that “everybody else is doing the good deed.” By emphasizing that others are engaged in the desired behavior, individuals are more likely to follow suit.

Consider the case of Opower, a company that sends inserts with electricity bills, comparing consumers’ energy consumption to similarly sized homes in their area. When people discover that their neighbors are using less electricity, they tend to consume less as well. This approach has also been utilized to encourage voting, charitable donations, and even towel reuse in hotels. By communicating that others are engaging in the desired behavior, we create a sense of social norm that motivates individuals to take action.

Another technique is to frame the good deed as something to be done “right now.” The speaker shared an example of a sticker that reframed the simple act of turning off lights into an environmental contribution. By emphasizing the immediate nature of the action and its impact, individuals were more likely to hug the behavior.

It’s important to note that there are numerous ways to communicate expectations effectively. The key is to find the approach that touches with the target audience and creates a sense of collective responsibility. By doing so, we enable individuals to align their actions with the desired outcome, fostering a culture of positive change.

So, the next time you want to encourage good deeds or motivate others to take action, remember the power of communicating expectations. Whether it’s highlighting that others are already engaged in the behavior or framing it as an immediate action, clear communication plays a pivotal role. Let’s create an environment where positive actions are not only expected but hugged willingly by all. Together, we can grow a society where doing good becomes second nature, making the world a better place for everyone.

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to encouraging others to do good. Reflecting on the memories shared by the speaker, I want to explore the significance of timing and social influence in motivating individuals to take action.

Picture this scenario: you walk by someone asking for money on the sidewalk. Instead of reaching into your pocket to offer support, you pull out your phone and pretend to be engrossed in it. Or perhaps you visit a museum and casually walk past the donation box without contributing. These situations are all too familiar, highlighting how timing and social influence can impact our decision to engage in acts of kindness.

The speaker shared insights into how we can leverage these factors to inspire positive actions. One technique involves highlighting the good deed as something that should be done immediately. By emphasizing the urgency and immediate impact of the action, individuals are more likely to act upon it. This approach reframes the mundane task of turning off lights into an environmental contribution or encourages prompt responses to donation appeals.

But timing isn’t the only factor at play. Social influence also plays a significant role in motivating individuals to do good. The speaker shared an example from Opower, a company that sends inserts with electricity bills comparing consumers’ energy usage to their neighbors. When people realize that their neighbors are consuming less energy, they feel compelled to follow suit. This technique harnesses the power of social norms, as people tend to align their behavior with what they perceive as acceptable or expected within their community.

Understanding the influence of timing and social norms can help us create environments that foster positive actions. By communicating the urgency of the good deed and emphasizing that others are already engaged in it, we establish a sense of collective responsibility. When individuals see their peers taking action, it creates a ripple effect that inspires further engagement.

So, the next time you want to motivate yourself or others to do good, consider the importance of timing and social influence. Encourage immediate action and highlight the positive behavior of others. Together, we can create a culture where doing good becomes the norm, making a tangible difference in our communities and the world at large.

In our journey to inspire individuals to do more good, we have explored valuable insights based on the speaker’s memories. Through their experiences, we have discovered the power of observability, the importance of eliminating excuses, the impact of communicating expectations, and the influence of timing and social influence. These lessons serve as guiding principles to create environments where positive actions are not only encouraged but hugged willingly by all.

Observability allows us to tap into people’s innate desire to be seen as generous and kind. By making good deeds more visible, we provide individuals with the recognition they seek, fueling their motivation to do even more good. Small changes, such as switching from anonymous actions to public acknowledgments, can make a significant difference in encouraging positive behavior.

Eliminating excuses is crucial in ensuring that individuals follow through with their commitments. By addressing potential barriers and providing ongoing support, we create a space where there are no easy escape routes. Through comprehensive interventions, we enable individuals to overcome challenges and stay committed to their goals.

Communicating expectations plays a fundamental role in motivating others to take action. Whether by highlighting the behavior of others or framing the good deed as something to be done immediately, clear communication creates a sense of collective responsibility. By aligning individuals’ actions with desired outcomes, we foster a culture where doing good becomes the norm.

Finally, we have explored the power of timing and social influence. The urgency of the good deed and the influence of social norms can inspire individuals to act in the present moment. By emphasizing the immediate impact and showcasing others’ positive behavior, we create a ripple effect that encourages further engagement.

As we navigate our own paths to make a positive impact, let us remember these valuable lessons. By increasing observability, eliminating excuses, communicating expectations, and understanding the power of timing and social influence, we can create a world where doing good is ingrained in our daily lives. Each small action has the potential to create a ripple effect, leading to meaningful change and a brighter future for all. Together, let’s hug the power within us to do more good and create a better world for generations to come.