In recent years, I’ve been intrigued by the rise of negative behaviors among public figures, especially politicians. This includes dishonesty, bullying, and manipulation. It made me wonder: can the bad behavior of influential people affect how the rest of us act? Do their actions set a lower standard for society?
While we often think politicians impact our lives through policies like taxes or infrastructure, their influence can be more subtle and pervasive. Throughout history, people have often emulated those in power, sometimes without even realizing it. For example, King Louis XIV of France popularized elaborate wigs in the 17th century, and First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s style was widely copied in the 1960s. Even the Obamas’ choice of a Portuguese Water Dog led to a surge in the breed’s popularity.
However, we tend to overlook how negative behaviors from these figures can also influence us. After Donald Trump’s election in 2016, there were numerous reports of harassment echoing his rhetoric. When confronted, leaders often deny responsibility, a tactic known as blame-shifting.
Blame-shifting is a common strategy among leaders, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of taking responsibility, they often point fingers at others, such as foreign nations or previous administrations. This behavior is prevalent not only among politicians but also among CEOs and other leaders.
Nathaniel Fast, an associate professor at USC Marshall School of Business, explains that people often blame others to protect their self-image. This ego defensiveness can have negative consequences for both the individual and those around them. For instance, narcissistic individuals may find it difficult to accept accountability, preferring to blame external factors for their failures.
Research shows that blame-shifting can hinder personal growth. Leaders who blame external circumstances for failures are often perceived as less powerful and receive negative reactions from others. Additionally, companies led by executives who shift blame tend to see a decline in stock prices over time.
Interestingly, blame can be contagious. A study found that participants who read about a politician taking responsibility for a failure were less likely to shift blame for their own mistakes compared to those who read about a politician blaming others. This suggests that negative behaviors, like blame-shifting, can spread among individuals.
On the positive side, accepting responsibility can enhance leadership qualities. Leaders who take responsibility create a sense of security among their followers, who feel confident in their leader’s control. Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, is a notable example of this kind of leadership.
So, how can we promote accountability and reduce blame-shifting? Fast’s research suggests that enhancing self-image may help. When people engage in self-affirmation tasks—reflecting on their core values—they are less likely to shift blame, even when exposed to others doing so.
Consider reflecting on your own core values, whether related to relationships, work, or personal growth. Living by these values can lead to personal improvement. Additionally, positive behaviors can also be contagious; studies show that when people receive help, they are more inclined to assist others.
Can the negative behaviors of politicians influence the public? While research on this is limited, it seems that exposure to blame-shifting by leaders can lead individuals to adopt similar behaviors in their own lives. Just as a CEO’s behavior can shape a company’s culture, a politician’s actions can impact the broader societal culture.
Engaging in acts of kindness is a step in the right direction. If you’re interested in more insights on behavior change, I have a new series on the streaming platform Nebula, supported by CuriosityStream. Nebula features original content from various creators, including my show, “Questionable Advice,” where we explore ways to improve behavior. CuriosityStream offers a wealth of documentaries and nonfiction titles, and they are providing viewers with free access to Nebula when you sign up at CuriosityStream.com/braincraft.
You can access thousands of documentaries and original content for just $14.79 per year, which is a 26% discount.
Engage in role-playing exercises where you and your classmates take on the roles of leaders and followers. Explore scenarios involving both positive and negative leadership behaviors, such as blame-shifting and accountability. Discuss how these behaviors affect group dynamics and decision-making.
Analyze real-world case studies of public figures who have exhibited negative behaviors, such as blame-shifting. Examine the consequences of their actions on their followers and society. Present your findings to the class and propose strategies for promoting accountability in leadership.
Keep a reflective journal where you document instances of blame-shifting or accountability in your own life or in the media. Reflect on how these behaviors influence your perceptions and actions. Share your insights with peers to foster a deeper understanding of the impact of leadership behaviors.
Participate in group discussions focused on identifying and articulating your core values. Explore how these values can guide your behavior and decision-making. Discuss how self-affirmation can reduce the tendency to shift blame and enhance personal growth.
Attend a workshop designed to explore the contagion of behaviors, both positive and negative. Engage in activities that demonstrate how behaviors spread within groups. Learn techniques to promote positive behaviors and accountability in leadership roles.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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A few years ago, I created a series called “Bad Behavior,” and since then, I’ve noticed many individuals, particularly politicians, engaging in negative behaviors such as dishonesty, bullying, and manipulation. This led me to ponder how such public misconduct might influence our behavior in society. Could the actions of prominent figures lower the standards of behavior for the rest of us?
This episode is sponsored by CuriosityStream. You can access the creator-owned streaming service, Nebula, by signing up for CuriosityStream using the link below.
You might think that politicians primarily impact your life through policies like taxes or infrastructure, but their influence can extend to more subtle aspects of our lives. This phenomenon isn’t new; throughout history, people in power have often been emulated, whether consciously or unconsciously. For instance, Louis XIV, the King of France in 1643, popularized elaborate wigs, becoming an early fashion influencer. In the 1960s, women emulated First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s iconic style, and there has been significant interest in the fashion choices of the royal family, from Princess Diana to Meghan Markle. A personal favorite example is how the demand for Portuguese Water Dogs surged after the Obamas adopted one as their pet.
However, we often overlook the negative aspects of how politicians and authority figures can influence us. For example, in the ten days following Donald Trump’s election victory in 2016, there were hundreds of reported incidents of attacks and harassment against minorities and women, many echoing phrases used by Trump. If you were to ask him about this, he might respond with a complete denial of responsibility.
This pattern of blame-shifting has been a common response from various leaders, particularly regarding their handling of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of acknowledging any fault, they often deflect blame onto others, such as foreign nations or previous administrations. This behavior is known as blame-shifting or the blame game, and it’s prevalent among politicians and CEOs alike. You might have experienced this tendency yourself.
I spoke with Nathaniel Fast, an associate professor of management at USC Marshall School of Business, who explained that people often blame others to protect their self-image. This ego defensiveness can lead to negative consequences for both the individual and those around them. For instance, individuals with narcissistic traits may struggle with accountability, preferring to attribute failures to external factors rather than acknowledging their own mistakes.
Research indicates that blame-shifting can hinder personal growth. In one study, leaders who blamed external circumstances for failures were perceived as less powerful and received negative reactions from others. Another study found that executives who shifted blame saw their companies’ stock prices decline a year later.
Moreover, blame can be contagious. In a 2010 study, participants who read about a politician taking responsibility for a failure were less likely to shift blame for their own mistakes compared to those who read about a politician blaming others. This suggests that negative behaviors, like blame-shifting, can spread among individuals.
On the flip side, accepting responsibility can enhance leadership qualities. Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, exemplified this kind of leadership. Leaders who take responsibility foster a sense of security among their followers, who feel assured that their leader is in control.
So, how can we encourage accountability and reduce blame-shifting? Fast’s research suggests that enhancing self-image may help. When participants engaged in self-affirmation tasks—reflecting on core values—they were less likely to shift blame, even when exposed to others doing so.
Consider reflecting on your own core values, whether related to relationships, work, or personal growth. Enacting these values can lead to personal improvement. Additionally, positive behaviors can also be contagious; studies show that when people receive help, they are more inclined to assist others.
Finally, can the negative behaviors of politicians influence the public? While research on this is limited, it appears that exposure to blame-shifting by leaders can lead individuals to adopt similar behaviors in their own lives.
In conclusion, just as a CEO’s behavior can shape a company’s culture, a politician’s actions can impact the broader societal culture. Engaging in acts of kindness is a step in the right direction. If you’re interested in more insights on behavior change, I have a new series on the streaming platform Nebula, supported by CuriosityStream.
Nebula features original content from various creators, including my show, “Questionable Advice,” where we explore ways to improve behavior. CuriosityStream offers a wealth of documentaries and nonfiction titles, and they are providing BrainCraft viewers with free access to Nebula when you sign up at CuriosityStream.com/braincraft.
You can access thousands of documentaries and original content for just $14.79 per year, which is a 26% discount.
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This version maintains the core message while removing specific names and phrases that could be considered inflammatory or controversial.
Negative – Characterized by the absence of distinguishing or marked qualities or features; lacking positive attributes. – In social psychology, a negative attitude towards a group can lead to prejudice and discrimination.
Behavior – The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others. – Understanding human behavior is crucial for developing effective public policies.
Leaders – Individuals who guide or direct a group, organization, or country. – Effective leaders in social movements often inspire change through their vision and communication skills.
Blame-shifting – The act of transferring responsibility for a mistake or problem to another person or group. – In organizational psychology, blame-shifting can undermine team cohesion and trust.
Accountability – The obligation of an individual or organization to account for its activities and accept responsibility. – Political accountability is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy.
Influence – The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. – Media can have a significant influence on public opinion and societal norms.
Self-image – The idea one has of one’s abilities, appearance, and personality. – A positive self-image can enhance an individual’s mental health and social interactions.
Narcissistic – Having an excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one’s physical appearance. – Narcissistic traits can impact leadership styles and organizational dynamics.
Personal – Relating to an individual’s private life, relationships, and emotions. – Personal experiences often shape one’s worldview and social attitudes.
Growth – The process of developing or maturing physically, mentally, or spiritually. – Personal growth is a key component of psychological well-being and life satisfaction.
