UNMEASURABLE with Kim Perkins: Authenticity, human behavior, and other squishy data
Julie and Casey sit down with Kim Perkins, former journalist and pro speed-skater turned coach and positive organizational psychologist, to discuss how we know what we know about human behavior. Along the way they dive into authenticity at work (and why it may not actually be a good goal), studying competitiveness when no one wants to admit that they really want to win, and how to ask better questions instead of look for easy answers.
We also welcome our Season Three sponsor, Armoire, a clothing rental company for women who love great style but hate shopping. Try Armoire today via our link for 50% off your first month, PLUS an extra item! Use "voiceis" in the referral box for your best discount.
TOP TAKEAWAYS
Our society currently seems to equate authenticity with the knee-jerk reaction (our FIRST response to a stimulus) . . . especially on social media, when so often that knee-jerk response can be a fear-based reaction, and not how we actually want to act. And on that note, maybe “bring your whole self to work” is neither possible nor ultimately DESIRABLE . . .
Sometimes, the correct scientific way to gather human data (i.e., the gatherer being a blank / neutral presence so that they don’t influence anyone) actually gives us flawed information, and the incorrect way (sharing some of your own humanity with the people you’re studying) gets you the truth . . . but it’s not “scientific”. WHEW. What does this mean for how we know what we know about human behavior?
How do we, as smart, savvy consumers of information, discern between what’s informative and what’s bullshit with the “studies say” genre of news article?
Mini-lesson: What is work armor, why do we develop it, and what if we want to upgrade to something better? Take our work armor quiz to find out!
Kim Perkins holds a Ph.D. in positive organizational psychology. A former journalist and pro athlete, Kim works on purpose, culture, and communication with leaders at cutting edge science, tech and entertainment companies. Her first book, Winner Take None (2022), explores the role competition plays in our lives.