research-drop
Why "Great Job" Teaches Nothing
Specific praise ("The way you handled that client call") outperforms generic praise ("Good work!") in building motivation and trust. Here's the mechanism.
research-drop
research-drop
The Progress Principle
Teresa Amabile analyzed 12,000 diary entries and found small wins beat everything else for motivation. Not bonuses, not praise, not strategy. Progress on meaningful work wins.
research-drop
The 90% vs 50% Problem
When retirement savings is opt-out, 90% participate. When it's opt-in, 50% do. The same people. The same plan. The only difference is which box was pre-checked.
research-drop
Your Manager Affects Your Mental Health More Than Your Therapist
Managers influence employee mental health as much as spouses do, and more than doctors or therapists. Most companies still treat management as a promotion, not a skill.
research-drop
The Friction Tax
Adding one extra step to a process cuts completion rates by 20%. Most HR programs have five extra steps baked in.
research-drop
The 9x trust multiplier
Employees who give recognition are trusted 9x more than those who don't. The surprise: giving matters more than receiving.