Examining the Impact of Human Behavior

Why did you apply to this program?

I was interested in how people make decisions and how decision points intersect. It's important to understand decision-making because it's the essence of everything we do as humans. Obviously, we make big decisions about choosing a spouse or choosing a job, but we also make thousands of smaller decisions every day. Choices are fundamental to being human. In fact, my personal life mantra is "live deliberately," which means I want to choose my existence rather than react to one that’s given to me. Understanding how people make decisions connects us to life more deeply.

How can executives benefit from a greater understanding of behavioral economics?

Executives can benefit in a couple of ways. First, by understanding ourselves better, we can recognize our own biases and better prepare to avoid their influence. Second, by understanding the biases of others, we can help people make effective decisions with proper choice architecture. That might involve, for example, advising customers about product usage and benefits or providing career guidance to staff in your organization. Helping people make better choices should be every executive’s priority.

How do you plan to implement what you learned in the program to your day-to-day work?

Now that I am more aware of the behavioral component of every action and interaction, I will explore whether human behavior is at the core of a given problem or situation. If it is, I will apply choice architecture to provide an intervention.

Q. How would you describe the program’s value to someone who is considering it?

Professor Gino and her team do an incredible job examining concepts in practical ways, and their insight is bolstered by case study discussions and readings. Also, the HBS campus is incredibly beautiful and well appointed, offering everything you need for a focused week of learning. If you're looking to elevate your understanding of human behavior and help people make better decisions, this program is for you.

You attended the Authentic Leader Development program previously. Have the benefits of that learning experience stayed with you?

Definitely. Every program I've participated in has added to my understanding of human behavior—both in terms of my own personal behavior and the behavior of those in my circles of influence.