Human Behavior
What are consulting firms looking for in candidates beyond technical skills?
Consulting firms seek humans they genuinely like and who are uniquely human - not just technically qualified, but people who are awesome, fun, and bring something valuable to the table. In interviews, they're assessing whether candidates can establish personal connections and share meaningful insights from networking conversations. This human element has become increasingly important in the hiring process. When candidates are asked why they want to work at a specific firm, those who can authentically reference conversations with current employees and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm stand out. The ability to build rapport and tell compelling stories often determines who receives offers, highlighting that consulting is fundamentally a people business.
Watch clip answer (00:03m)
Management Consulted
27:23 - 27:26
Why do some LinkedIn messages get instant replies while others are ignored?
LinkedIn messages get better responses when you understand the platform's indicators and use psychology effectively. The green circles in your inbox provide crucial information - hollow green means the person has mobile push notifications on, while solid green indicates they're currently online. By prioritizing messages to people who are active, your response rate can triple overnight. Using audio messages creates intrigue like a mysteriously wrapped present, making people eager to respond. The technique makes connections feel seen and respected, which significantly increases engagement rates compared to the common approach of random messaging.
Watch clip answer (04:28m)
Mark Firth
08:50 - 13:18
What is reciprocity in marketing psychology and how does it influence consumer behavior?
Reciprocity is one of Robert Cialdini's six weapons of influence, based on our innate desire to return favors. When someone does something for us, we feel an uncomfortable urge to repay them. Phil Agnew references researcher Philip Kunz's experiment where he sent Christmas cards to 600 strangers and received 200 responses, demonstrating this principle in action. Another study by Dennis Reagan showed this effect in a controlled setting. When a paid actor bought participants a can of Coke, they were twice as likely to later purchase raffle tickets from that person compared to participants who received no drink. This psychological principle can be effectively applied in marketing to build customer loyalty and increase conversions.
Watch clip answer (02:47m)
Steph Taylor
34:07 - 36:55
Can AI eventually surpass human abilities in decision-making and judgment?
According to Daniel Kahneman, there's no reason to set limits on what AI can achieve. He argues that humans are inherently inconsistent and 'noisy' in their judgments - given the same stimulus twice, people rarely produce the same response. This variability is a fundamental limitation of human decision-making. Kahneman points to research showing that simple algorithmic models can outperform human experts by eliminating noise. For instance, formulas that predict clinicians' judgments often make better predictions than the clinicians themselves. As AI development accelerates faster than expected, these advantages will likely become more pronounced. Rather than viewing judgment as uniquely human, Kahneman suggests AI's noise-free consistency may ultimately make it better at evaluating outcomes and making choices - even choices aligned with human values.
Watch clip answer (04:28m)
Creative Destruction Lab
02:22 - 06:51
What does research show about the effects of social media on happiness?
Dr. Lyubomirsky explains that research on social media's impact on happiness shows mixed results. For people with unique conditions or challenges (like having a disabled child or being shy), online communities can be extremely beneficial by providing support and connection. However, studies also indicate that social media use can increase feelings of depression, as people tend to share only positive highlights of their lives, leading others to make unfavorable comparisons. The effects largely depend on how social media is used rather than simply whether it's used. Dr. Lyubomirsky emphasizes that moderation is key – invoking Aristotle's concept of the 'golden mean' – suggesting that balanced technology use is essential for maintaining well-being.
Watch clip answer (01:45m)
Pepperdine University
01:15:49 - 01:17:35
What is the reflective level of processing in design according to Don Norman?
According to Don Norman, the reflective level is the third level of processing in design, comparable to the superego. It functions as an observing part of the brain that doesn't directly control sensory input or muscle movement, but instead monitors our experiences and reactions. This reflective component acts as an internal voice that provides commentary on our interactions, saying things like 'that's good' or 'that's better' and questioning our actions. While it lacks direct control over our behaviors, it serves as a critical evaluative mechanism that helps us process and make meaning of our experiences with design.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)
TED
10:27 - 10:52