One Simple Skill to Overcome Peer Pressure | The Behavioral Science Guys

The Behavioral Science Guys, . the New York Times bestselling authors David Maxfield and Joseph Grenny, use behavioral science to explain why smart people do dumb things when they’re simply “following the crowd.” Joseph and David conduct an experiment to explore the power of social influence—also known as peer pressure. They found that 2/3 of any group regardless of gender, age, or background goes along with the crowd proving that social influence is extremely powerful. However, when the BS Guys introduce a confederate who practices one simple skill—the polite expression of doubt—95% of the test subjects now express their true opinion! What can we learn? Never underestimate the power of one. When you feel you are the odd person out, don’t stifle your concerns, but learn how to express them respectfully. It turns out the quiet, polite expression of doubt can turn the rest of the group of zombies into thinkers. Learn more at