We like our sums to be nice and tidy.
1 + 1 = 2
Our educational system,
our economic system,
teaches us to appeal to logic
to see the outcomes.
If we have a problem,
we just need more data.
Right?
The problem is
human behavior doesn’t add up.
We don’t respond
rationally
or
logically
(sorry Spock).
Study after study proves
we respond
emotionally,
tribal-ly,
fearfully.
So if we are going to affect
behavior,
productivity,
well-being
for ourselves,
our community,
our team,
our business,
we’re going to have
to care more about
the messy lives of people
and
less about tidy sums.
Because ultimately,
people aren’t an abacus.