Welcome to our July newsletter.

We see how the culture of a workplace changes our personalities. What social media pictures of others tell us about the people who share them.

What stops people from displaying kindness? And the surprising number of people who believe in magic and the psychological reasons why.

Then we see the impact that a holiday has on us - before we even leave.

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How your company culture changes your personality

The company culture you work in can affect your personal behavior outside of work. 

New research from a team at Princeton studied employees across the US to understand the factors that influence whether work culture is absorbed into their personal decision-making.

It found that - the values and norms that are rewarded and reinforced in the workplace can carry over into your personal life, influencing the way you interact with others, make decisions, and set priorities.

For example, if you work in a company that values collaboration and teamwork, you may be more likely to be cooperative and helpful in your personal life as well. Or, if you work in a company that values innovation and creativity, you may be more likely to be open to new ideas and experiences outside of work.

The impact of company culture on personal behavior is not always positive. If you work in a company that is highly competitive or stressful, you may find that these qualities carry over into your personal life, making you more aggressive or anxious.

Of course, the impact of company culture on personal behavior is complex and depends on a number of factors, including individual personality and values.

But undoubtedly, the combination of personal values and the values of where people work will be powerful signals for understanding them, resonating with and persuading them. 
 

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Why are people not actively kind?

A recent study sheds light on why people choose to include themselves in certain photos, and it is A recent study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour found that people tend to underestimate how welcome a Random Act of Kindness (RAK) will be.

These are small, spontaneous acts of generosity that are performed without expectation of reward. They can be as simple as holding the door open for someone or as grand as donating to charity.

The study involved giving museum visitors pencils with the museum's logo on them. It showed a surprisingly large impact on how visitors rated the museum compared to those who did not receive the apparently perfunctory gift.

The study suggests that RAKs can have a positive impact on the recipient, even if the recipient does not express their gratitude. But also that people may be reluctant to perform RAKs.

Why the reluctance? There are a few reasons why people might not perform RAKs. Some people may be afraid of being rejected or ridiculed if they perform a RAK. Others may not think they are good at performing them.

Still others may simply not think about performing them at all.

But when a RAK is performed, the recipient may feel happier, more valued, and more connected to others. They may also be more likely to perform RAKs of their own.

What’s the takeout?

RAK’s, however apparently small might be good for your brand. But also helping your audiences to carry out random acts of kindness themselves is also valuable. Maybe to other customers of yours, maybe to prospects?
 

Photo by Erik Mclean

How holidays affect us before we even leave

The anticipation of a holiday can actually improve your cognitive flexibility and well-being.

A study by researchers at the University of Exeter found that people who were anticipating a holiday showed increased cognitive flexibility, or the ability to think of new uses for objects. They also reported feeling happier and more relaxed.

The researchers believe that the anticipation of a holiday can lead to a number of positive changes in the brain, including increased levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that plays a role in motivation and reward.

These changes can make people more creative and open to new ideas, which can lead to improved problem-solving and decision-making.

And - as you might expect - the study also found that these benefits of holiday anticipation were even greater for people who were stressed or feel overworked.

Useful insights for ourselves if we’re about to head off.

But it also reveals opportunities for communicating with and persuading audiences - whether in their personal or business lives at this time of year.

Photo by Rachel Claire

Why do people share pics of their kids on social media?

What’s the psychology behind it? And what does it reveal about the sharer?

Is it just to show off their children's sense of style? To connect with other parents who share their interests.

A collaborative study conducted by the University of Jyväskylä and Aalto University delved into this increasingly prevalent phenomenon, exploring its connection to consumption, parenting, childhood, and the privacy of children.

One theory is that parents who share children's fashion photos are trying to establish a sense of identity for themselves. By showing off their children's stylish clothes, they are indirectly communicating their own taste and values. This can be especially important for parents who are new to parenthood or who are trying to find their place in a new social group.

Another reason could be trying to create a sense of order and control in their lives, especially if they feel overwhelmed by the demands of parenthood.

Deeper still, parents may share children's fashion photos as a way to connect with their own inner child.

Or may be seeking validation from others for their parenting choices. Or just trying to impress others with their children's good looks.

The photos of others, often tell as much - if not more - about the sharer as the subject.

Photo by Gustavo Fring

Do you believe in magic? You may be surprised by how many do.

In a world where science and technology are constantly advancing, it might seem like the belief in magic is a thing of the past.

But a new study suggests that this is not the case. In fact, it found that the belief in magic is still alive and well, even among people who consider themselves to be rational.

The study, conducted by Eugene Subbotsky of the University of Haifa, looked at the beliefs of people from all around the world. It found that a significant number of people believe in things like telepathy, clairvoyance, and the ability to influence the future.

Subbotsky argues that the belief in magic is a fundamental part of human psychology and that we are all born with a natural tendency to believe in the supernatural in some way.

For many, it plays an important role in their everyday lives. Whether it’s “full magic” or small superstitions, this magical thinking helps us to make sense of the world and to cope with uncertainty.

And it crosses all ages and levels of education. The study found people are more likely to believe in magic when they are faced with stressful or uncertain situations. Perhaps suggesting that magical thinking can be a helpful coping mechanism in times of stress.

Of course, brands might not outright claim to be magical. However, there might well be opportunities to create a sense of mystery and excitement around products through using magical language, imagery and metaphors. 

Photo by Miriam Espacio

As ever, if there's anything we can help with, do get in touch.

James, Patrick and Dan

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We practically apply the science of the human mind for hard, commercial results 

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