This week, Amy talks with Harvard Business School professor and author of The Ritual Effect, Michael Norton, about how simple acts—like tapping your lucky pen or that sacred coffee run—can do more than you think. We're talking stress relief, team bonding, and (yes) actually making work feel meaningful. They unpack the difference between rituals and habits, why your team’s goofy lunch routine might be a stealth morale boost, and how even a tiny shared check-in—emoji-style—can reconnect us across the remote void. No kumbaya circles required. Tune in for a surprising, deeply human take on how we find connection, purpose, and a little weird joy in the everyday.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Michael Norton
Behavioral Science Books | Michael Norton
Michael I. Norton | Harvard Business School
Humblebragging: A Distinct—and Ineffective—Self-Presentation Strategy
Matchmaking Promotes Happiness | Social Psychological and Personality Science
Rituals Quiz | What Are Your Rituals? | Michael Norton
The Calming Power of Rituals | WSJ
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Amy Sandler introduces guest Michael Norton and his book The Ritual Effect.
(00:00:55) The Meaning in Small Rituals
A fun and engaging ritual exercise to demonstrate emotional connections.
(00:02:52) From Skeptic to Advocate
Michael’s journey from being a ritual skeptic to writing The Ritual Effect.
(00:05:49) The Meaning of Rituals
How rituals naturally emerge to provide structure and meaning.
(00:07:53) Rituals vs. Habits
The emotional difference between habits and rituals.
(00:10:06) Rituals as Emotion Generators
The dual role of rituals in generating and managing emotions.
(00:12:49) The Power of Collective Rituals
How shared rituals strengthen bonds and emotional resonance.
(00:14:07) Rituals in the Workplace
Examples of team rituals that foster bonding and purpose.
(00:16:39) Testing Rituals in Experiments
Research showing even made-up rituals increase group cohesion.
(00:20:37) Creating Work Rituals
Advice for leaders to co-create rituals for new work teams.
(00:23:12) Adapting Rituals for Remote Work
How teams have developed virtual rituals to maintain connection online.
(00:25:53) Meaningful Rituals in the Workplace
The significance of rituals in the workplace for individuals and leaders.
(00:29:11) Evaluating the Benefits of Rituals
How rituals contribute positively to mental health and well-being.
(00:32:40) Leaders Supporting Organic Rituals
Encouraging authentic rituals without imposing corporate mandates.
(00:35:40) Aligning Rituals with Team Values
Using rituals to express and reinforce organizational values.
(00:37:20) Discovering Your Rituals
Exploring the rituals in your life through Michael’s Ritual Quiz.
(00:40:52) Conclusion
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