"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."
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
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?
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.
— KimKierkegaardashian (@KimKierkegaard)May 23, 2014For events, I like to pair bold lashes with a gnawing sense of futility.
— KimKierkegaardashian (@KimKierkegaard)January 12, 2015Everyone looked so great on the red carpet, like captive beasts walking round in their cages, or measuring the lengths of their chains.
— KimKierkegaardashian (@KimKierkegaard)January 10, 2015Off to the gym. I suffer indescribably.
— KimKierkegaardashian (@KimKierkegaard)January 9, 2015Last night's look: Balmain dress; Kanye West heels; a sickness of the spirit and an anxiety I cannot explain.
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!
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