The Psychology of Identity with Jay Van Bavel

Hi all,

We hope you are well. This week we’re taking a dive into the world of identity psychology, group dynamics and psychological safety.

Wellbeing at work is one of the most important topics we cover on the Better@Work podcast and recent events in the working world have drawn our attention to the consequences of poor work-life balances, particularly for young workers.?

The issue has been highlighted by the tragic recent deaths at JP Morgan, however the organisation has made some changes to take better care of the wellbeing of early career staff - have a read here.

In our digital always-on world work can be very stressful - so make sure if you are a leader to look after your junior employees - and take the time to celebrate them! We have an episode coming up about managing Gen Z’s where we’ll be looking more closely at this topic…

On our latest episode we are delighted to have Jay Van Bavel, PhD , the Author of The Power of Us. We delved deeply into the intricate ways the people that surround us shape our identity at work and in life. Through his research, Jay illuminates how our collective identities influence not only our interactions with others but also our understanding of the world around us. We had some fascinating discussions about US politics and psychopaths in the office - read on to find out more!

The Power of Group Identity ??

Jay Van Bavel's journey into the world of psychology began in his youth playing hockey. Growing up in Northern Alberta, Canada, he observed first-hand how arbitrary divisions, such as being assigned to different teams, could dramatically alter relationships and perceptions. Close friends could become adversaries based solely on their team assignments! This observation underscores a fundamental truth about human nature: our identities are deeply intertwined with the groups we belong to.

When we identify with a group, we are more likely to favor its members, often at the expense of those outside the group. This can lead to intergroup bias, where perceptions and judgments are colored by group affiliation. Jay’s research highlights how these biases manifest in various contexts, from sports to politics to the office, shaping our interactions and decisions in significant ways.

| "Identity shapes group dynamics profoundly."

At the heart of Jay’s research is the idea that our identities are multifaceted and often context-dependent. He encourages listeners to engage in the "20 statements test," prompting us to articulate various aspects of their identities—ranging from personal traits to relational roles and group affiliations.?

This exercise reveals that many of our identities are not solely about individual characteristics but are deeply intertwined with the groups to which we belong. For instance, being a "husband," "author," or "hockey player" not only defines us as individuals but also connects us to broader communities, each with its own set of relationships and expectations.

Great Leaders Craft a Sense of “Us” & Psychological Safety ??

Jay emphasises that great leaders understand the power of group identity and how to create a sense of "us" within a group. By fostering a shared identity, leaders can enhance engagement and commitment among team members. A big part of creating a sense of ‘us’ is about the full range of psychological safety for the team. Creating a space where it’s safe to speak up, to challenge and dissent - and to share our true identities.

When individuals feel a sense of belonging and identification with their group, they are more likely to make self-sacrifices for the collective good, leading to higher levels of collaboration and trust. In contrast, groups that lack this cohesive identity often resemble a collection of individuals vying for personal glory, which can hinder overall performance and effectiveness.

It’s especially important for dissent to be able to emerge in group dynamics, it’s a critical component of healthy workplaces and societies. As an example, Jay shared observations about American politics and how political polarisation under leaders like Donald Trump has created an unhealthy atmosphere where dissent is stifled.?

By embracing our shared identities and recognising the moments that connect us, we can work towards a more cohesive and vibrant society.?

Role Models: Snakes, Suits & Stars ?? ??

In the complex landscape of modern workplaces - even hybrid ones - the impact of the people we are surrounded by cannot be overstated. Research has shown that we become the sum of the people we are closest to, and this counts at the office too!

Jay gave the example of ‘snakes in suits’ and the radical impact psychopathic or toxic colleagues can have on the performance of the people they sit near. The presence of negative individuals can drag down the performance of entire teams, while positive role models or ‘stars’ uplift those around them.?

@AnnetteSloan pointed out that this brilliant point raises the question of what influences we are missing out on when working from home, such as the motivation we get from working alongside charismatic and inspirational people.

Who are you surrounded by at the office? Are there people you’d like to spend more time with? And perhaps others you could do with a little distance from?

We enjoyed this chat with Jay so much and hope you do too. We also answer a listener’s question on returning to work after having kids - we loved answering this one!??

If you haven’t listened yet, you can find the episode on the Better@Work podcast:

We’ll be back next week with another episode of Better@Work.

Take care,

Cathal & Annette?