This is good advice, but the appreciation has to be sincere and its expression nuanced. People who end requests with “thank you in advance” come across as crass and manipulative. The examples of pre-gratitude you offer are more on the mark than what one typically sees.
This is such an interesting take on behavioral nudges—especially the idea of using preemptive gratitude as a tool for reinforcing norms. It makes me wonder about the fine line between a nudge and outright manipulation. At what point does a well-placed cue become coercive rather than reinforcing autonomy?
For example, if thanking people in advance for their candidness leads to more openness in a meeting, that’s great. But could it also subtly pressure someone into speaking when they might have preferred to stay silent?
I’m also thinking about the unintended consequences of nudges. If we use them too frequently or in the wrong context, do they lose their power? Or worse—could they create skepticism, making people feel like they’re being subtly controlled rather than genuinely encouraged?
Curious to hear others’ thoughts—where do you see the ethical boundaries of nudging in leadership?
Credibility is typically compromised when one tries to use good behaviors as tactics.
The coercion question comes down to good judgement, as leadership is in its essence 'making people better'... but not 'making people better whether they like it or not'.
Some good points - I think if you are a decent person/leader and trying to get good outcomes without manipulations, it's OK. Learning how to nudge is basically being nice. Thanking people in advance instead of nagging (I'll have to try it with my partner!)
Love this perspective on the power of positive reinforcement before behaviors. It works as an antecedent for the behaviors you want to reinforce positively. I have never seen this approach explained before. Great post!
Nice article. I know that playing classical music in train stations stops young people hanging around but I haven't heard of any of your examples before.
Oh, actually, I've just remembered one. There was some research done where people were asked in a survey if they were the sort of person who gave to charity. Then people went to the survey takers houses asking for donations. The people who said yes in the survey were much more likely to give a donation that people who either said no (obviously) or hadn't done the survey.
This is good advice, but the appreciation has to be sincere and its expression nuanced. People who end requests with “thank you in advance” come across as crass and manipulative. The examples of pre-gratitude you offer are more on the mark than what one typically sees.
Absolutely, Dr. Jm. Specificity does a lot to convince people the words are authentic. Something we can all work on.
Agree. You have to build trust first, or people might take it the wrong way.
I was thinking the same thing!
This is such an interesting take on behavioral nudges—especially the idea of using preemptive gratitude as a tool for reinforcing norms. It makes me wonder about the fine line between a nudge and outright manipulation. At what point does a well-placed cue become coercive rather than reinforcing autonomy?
For example, if thanking people in advance for their candidness leads to more openness in a meeting, that’s great. But could it also subtly pressure someone into speaking when they might have preferred to stay silent?
I’m also thinking about the unintended consequences of nudges. If we use them too frequently or in the wrong context, do they lose their power? Or worse—could they create skepticism, making people feel like they’re being subtly controlled rather than genuinely encouraged?
Curious to hear others’ thoughts—where do you see the ethical boundaries of nudging in leadership?
They'd absolutely loose their power.
Credibility is typically compromised when one tries to use good behaviors as tactics.
The coercion question comes down to good judgement, as leadership is in its essence 'making people better'... but not 'making people better whether they like it or not'.
Some good points - I think if you are a decent person/leader and trying to get good outcomes without manipulations, it's OK. Learning how to nudge is basically being nice. Thanking people in advance instead of nagging (I'll have to try it with my partner!)
Thanks! Brilliant reminder that small, proactive gestures can yield outsized results
Agree with this wholeheartedly. Sincerity coupled with proactiveness/preparedness shows gratitude and appreciation for your people.
Good morning,
Important stuff for sure.
I have found genuine gratitude to be welcome.
Thank you for your time.
Love this perspective on the power of positive reinforcement before behaviors. It works as an antecedent for the behaviors you want to reinforce positively. I have never seen this approach explained before. Great post!
Nice article. I know that playing classical music in train stations stops young people hanging around but I haven't heard of any of your examples before.
Oh, actually, I've just remembered one. There was some research done where people were asked in a survey if they were the sort of person who gave to charity. Then people went to the survey takers houses asking for donations. The people who said yes in the survey were much more likely to give a donation that people who either said no (obviously) or hadn't done the survey.