LISTEN TO EPISODE 108

SCOTT DOW:

"You're asking a lot of your team. You're asking them to be more productive, return to office and embrace change. You're asking them to do things they don't like, work with some people they don't like, and accept things they don't like. When you give direction, you're making a request. Then your employees have a range of choices, but their options fall into two big buckets. People either choose to behave like you want or they don't. But whatever the case, it's their decision and it's their choice. You can help them make the right choice, but it's their choice, it's not yours.

So you want to create an environment where your people make the choices you want. And you can do that using what we call 'nudges'. A nudge is a subtle way to influence behavior. It's your motivational style, but it's not a carrot and it's not a stick. It's not the promise of a promotion, bonus or some kind of reward. It's not a mandate, threat or a consequence either. And it's not a bunch of rules, instructions, deadlines, and pressure. A nudge makes it easier for people to make the right choices. That's all it is.

It's facilitation assistance and it's non-judgmental. It's a helpful shortcut, a best practice, or a role model they can follow. It's a suggestion, offer or an idea to consider, and it's a pat on the back, a little encouragement, or a simple thank you.

Now, I always get the same question:

'Don't we need instructions, deadlines, expectations and accountability to get things done?'

And the answer is 'yes', because those clarify what you want done. But nudges are the pathways that people can envision following. Nudges feel less threatening and less disruptive. They give a sense of purpose, agency, and confidence. So in future episodes, when I refer to 'nudges', just think of ways you can make good choices easier for your people to make."

OUTRO

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