Hacking Human Thinking - How to make sense of language - DONAL CRILLY

In this fascinating episode of the Conversations on Climate, host Chris Caldwell is joined by Donald Crilly, an expert in linguistics and cognitive psychology and Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship; Chair, Strategy and Entrepreneurship Faculty at London Business School. Together, they explore how language shapes our understanding of complex issues like climate change and sustainability.
Crilly explains how our brains process language and how metaphors can be used to influence our thinking and decision-making. He also discusses the role of curiosity and personal resilience in driving sustainable business behaviours.
Drawing on his research, Crilly shares insights on how corporate leaders can use language to communicate more effectively with stakeholders and drive positive change. He also offers a tip for "hacking" the way humans think about time to promote long-term decision-making.
Throughout the conversation, Crilly and Caldwell delve into the intersection of language, psychology, and sustainability, shedding light on how our minds make sense of the world around us.
"Added personal resilience. This is what I teach a lot of my students, that the difference between those who fundamentally fail or those who fundamentally ultimately succeed…
The idea would be to combine the sense of the proximity of the future with the sense that you're able to do something about it…
If I can at least influence how leaders think, if I can increase their curiosity, I'm fundamentally really happy about that…"
So tune in to this episode of Conversations on Climate to unravel the mysteries of the mind and learn more about how we can use language to drive positive change for people and the planet.
TIMESTAMP
00:04 EmphasiSing on personal resilience in business education.
02:33 Linguistics helps understand how corporations navigate complex topics.
07:19 War language can have real consequences on how audiences perceive climate change and social issues.
09:42 Language impacts behaviour and solutions
14:10 Language affects thought in nuanced ways
16:42 Using present tense for future has impact on behaviour
20:50 Responsibility is associated with concrete action, while sustainability is interpreted differently by different stakeholders.
22:54 Language shapes perception and interpretation.
26:59 Corporations may not gain financially by taking stances on certain societal issues.
29:13 Taking opposing social stances can result in financial gain for businesses
33:26 Corporations taking stances on some public issues while ignoring others
35:27 Importance of clear communication in large organisations
39:37 People are less impatient for social benefits than for money.
41:49 Entrepreneurs may not accurately value their time
45:50 Language about the future influences actions and investments
47:50 Combining proximity of future with self-efficacy
52:04 Behavioural approach in stakeholder communications
54:30 Acting based on principles over incentives
59:00 Corporate financial performance linked to stakeholder treatment
1:01:18 Distinction between do good and do no harm is important for stakeholder relations.
1:05:38 Emotions play a role in shaping discussions and decision-making.
1:08:00 Influencing leaders' thinking and increasing curiosity
1:12:12 Read widely to gain insights from the Arts and Humanities for sustainable business behaviours.
REFERENCES:
LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL: bit.ly/3T5HwPV
Linkedin: bit.ly/3Z1rx9C
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