「華人戴明學院」是戴明哲學的學習共同體 ,致力於淵博型智識系統的研究、推廣和運用。 The purpose of this blog is to advance the ideas and ideals of W. Edwards Deming.

2015年2月19日 星期四

Want to get motivated? Try these miserable quotes


"At some point in the evolution of corporate life, someone decided that marrying a photo of a whale’s tail breaking the surface of the ocean or a cactus in the desert with an Einstein or Confucius quote would spur employees on to greater productivity. But psychologists now believe that an unconscious correction process takes place whenever someone tries to persuade you of something."
‘Behavioural backlash’ means that pictures of whales and positive...
THEGUARDIAN.COM|由 DAVID SHARIATMADARI 上傳


Want to get motivated? Try these miserable quotes

‘Behavioural backlash’ means that pictures of whales and positive slogans can have unintended consequences. Here are some despairing alternatives 
A humpback whale
 A humpback whale making a splash. Photograph: Alamy
Andy Murray’s personal motivational quotes were revealed this week when a journalist found a sheet of paper the tennis player had been checking during a match in Rotterdam. They included the eminently sensible “Be good to yourself,” “Try your best” and, more obscurely, “Be intense with your legs”.
They’re classic Andy – understated, a little weird. But probably just right for a sportsman who needs something practical to help him maintain focus after a gruelling set.
Indeed, little phrases like this have an obvious appeal for those who lead stressful lives. At their best they represent the wisdom of ages in portable form, a fixed point to hold on to amid a whirl of distractions. But could some of them do more harm than good?
Confucius motivational poster
Pinterest
At some point in the evolution of corporate life, someone decided that marrying a photo of a whale’s tail breaking the surface of the ocean or a cactus in the desert with an Einstein or Confucius quote would spur employees on to greater productivity. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop,” the ancient Chinese sage proclaimed over the heads of exhausted workers. Except that psychologists now believe that an unconscious correction process takes place whenever someone tries to persuade you of something. As Nick Asbury pointed out earlier this week, this has been called “reverse priming” or “behavioural backlash”. It can lead to precisely the opposite action or attitude to that intended. It’s particularly strong when the persuader is perceived as a “controlling” force, like your boss, or by extension, the company you work for.
With that in mind, might it be time to rethink tactics used to inspire workers? Could dismal, miserabilist slogans actually jolt us into greater creativity and enjoyment of life?
Among several strong contenders for sources of psychologically savvy inspirational quotes is Soren Kierkegaard. Much of the work of adapting Kierkegaard for modern audiences has already been done by the wonderfulKimKierkegaardashian, a Twitter account that mashes up the Danish philosopher with that quintessential 21st-century celebrity.
Then there are herzoginspirationals, tributes to the not-always-half-glass-full worldview of German director Werner Herzog. They appropriate the whale-tail medium to exhilarating effect. With so many to choose from, you’re bound to find one that’s just right for your office or meeting space. And remember – the common denominator of the universe is not harmony but chaos, hostility and murder. Have a great day!
Werner Herzog inspirational poster
Pinterest
Werner Herzog inspirational poster
Pinterest
Werner Herzog inspirational poster
Pinterest
Werner Herzog inspirational poster

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