The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

141: Jonah Berger - The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Behavior

Jul 13, 2016
Jonah Berger, Wharton marketing professor and bestselling author known for research on social influence. He explores how subtle mimicry builds familiarity and trust. He explains optimal distinctiveness, why luxury hides logos, how near-peer comparisons and slightly tougher competition boost performance. He also covers negotiation cues and why learning from others is central to leadership.
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ADVICE

Use Subtle Mimicry To Build Instant Rapport

  • Do subtly mimic the language and mannerisms of people you meet to build immediate rapport.
  • Jonah Berger cites negotiators who imitated counterparts and waiters who repeated orders verbatim, earning 70% higher tips and 5x negotiation success.
INSIGHT

Optimal Distinctiveness Drives Adoption

  • Be optimally distinct by balancing similarity and difference to increase adoption and acceptance.
  • Berger explains Apple and Google succeeded by entering existing markets and improving familiar concepts rather than being radically different.
INSIGHT

Influence Often Works Invisibly

  • Much social influence is invisible and operates below conscious awareness, which makes it powerful.
  • Mimicry works because people usually don't notice it; making them aware often reduces its effectiveness.
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