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

Connect:

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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