Few weeks back, I ran a poll: “Can we shift behavior without shifting the underlying mindset?”
- 10% said YES
- 15% said DEPENDS
- 75% respondents said NO
Here are my thoughts; quite aligned to these responses.
Right incentives or punishment can indeed shift behavior. I am reminded of my early career years with Larsen & Toubro. Our office started at 9 am; everyone had to punch in and get into the office before 9:15 am. If someone missed it four times in a month, one day leave (or may be ½ day, don’t exactly recollect) would be deducted. Thus, the whole street would be filled with folks running along in those last 10-15 mins.. majority ensuring that they are in office by 9:15 am.
The punctuality demonstrated by employees was triggered by the need to ‘avoid punishment’, rather than an inherent belief in the merits of punctuality.
Here’s another example that is often seen on roads in India. If wearing a helmet is mandatory for people riding two wheelers, the extent it is followed depends on how strict the police are.
Thus, behavior shift is possible without any shift in underlying mindset. It may happen even due to peer pressure, or the need to be part of an aspirational group. However, it may not lead to long-term sustainable behavior shift.
Having said that… a behavior when followed for a long time (even without mindset shift), may finally lead to the mindset shift.
Here’s a personal example. I hated walking, even for exercise. When people spoke about how they enjoy a brisk walk, I thought they were bluffing… or at the least, exaggerating. Then I started going for a walk, more due to medical reasons. To be honest, the first few months, I did it because I had to! There wasn’t a choice.
Over a period of time though, I started to feel the benefits – sense of wellbeing and better mood (a brisk walk releases neurotransmitters like endorphins, dopamine and serotonin). Now, I look forward to my morning walk. An example of behavior shift leading to mindset shift.
Finally, coming to the 70% responses – that long-term behavior shift is not possible without underlying mindset shift. This I believe is absolutely correct. Here are few examples that readily come to my mind:
- Building an inclusive workplace – where everyone can bring their authentic self – demands a mindset shift… reflecting on own biases and stereotypes followed by the behavior shift.
- Culture of continuous feedback – need to develop a comfort with sharing and receiving constructive feedback – seeing it as a source of growth and development rather than criticism.
- Embracing vulnerability – requires a mindset shift from the fear of being judged or rejected to recognizing vulnerability as a strength that fosters deeper connections
These are my thoughts, while behavior shift can be brought (without mindset shift) through rewards, punishment or peer pressure. A mindset shift will enable a long-term sustainable behavior shift.
Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences……
Perspectives 