To Nudge or Not to Nudge: The Pros and Cons of Encouraging Colleagues to Improve Performance

Nudges are easy and cheap to avoid. They maintain freedom of choice. They are not mandates. They are not bans. In many situations, they are likely to promote welfare by making life simpler, easier, and better. - Author Cass?Sunstein: "Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness."

A control engineer, Tiffany used a nudge to help her colleagues meet their project deadlines. She created a shared calendar, set up automated email reminders, and recognized team members who submitted their work on time. These nudges increased transparency, made it easier for team members to remember tasks, and encouraged better behavior. The result was improved communication, increased productivity, and a successful project outcome.

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You might be surprised to learn that there's a science behind nudging people to make better decisions and take action when appropriate. Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein coined the term "nudge" in their book "Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness." A nudge is a small change in the environment that guides people's behavior toward making better decisions without limiting their freedom of choice.?

It's appropriate for a non-manager to nudge their colleagues when they notice issues impacting team success. You can approach the situation with care, respect, and a focus on specific topics. A good relationship with colleagues can make difficult conversations easier.

Non-managers can leverage nudges by using positive reinforcement, creating an environment that encourages better behavior, using default options, and using social proof. By making small changes in the environment, non-managers can guide their colleagues towards making better decisions.

To nudge your colleagues, have an honest conversation about specific issues impacting the team's goals. Be clear about your concerns and suggest ways to improve performance or behavior. A positive relationship with colleagues is essential for creating trust and respect, making it easier to have difficult conversations.

Nudging colleagues to improve their performance or behavior can be a positive step towards achieving team goals and enhancing overall productivity. However, it's essential to consider both the pros and cons before taking action.

Pros:

- Nudging can help colleagues recognize issues they may not have noticed before.

- Nudging can increase accountability and motivate colleagues to improve.

- Nudging can lead to a more positive work environment and improved team dynamics.

- Nudging can be a proactive approach to addressing issues before they escalate.

Cons:

- Nudging can be perceived as criticism or judgment, leading to tension or strained relationships.

- Nudging can only be effective if colleagues are resistant to change.

- Nudging can create a hostile work environment if not approached respectfully and constructively.

- Nudging can backfire if the nudger needs more credibility or authority.

Nudging colleagues can be a valuable tool for improving performance and achieving team goals. However, it's essential to approach the situation with care, respect, and a focus on specific issues. It's also important to consider the potential drawbacks and to weigh them against the possible benefits before taking action.

Reader's Question: Of the pros and cons listed, what is the most important to consider before nudging colleagues, and why?

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Marc LeVine is a Syracuse (NY) University graduate with a degree in Industrial Psychology; Marc is currently a Talent Acquisitions Manager at Thermo Systems. He received the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.

Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ; Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ; InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge, NJ and Plainsboro, NJ; and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ; a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune, and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey-based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm, for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his Freehold Borough, NJ hometown.

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