Nudge · 2-minute read
A visible mistake makes a highly competent person more likeable — but makes someone of unproven ability less likeable.
Listeners heard a recording of a quiz contestant who was either highly capable or mediocre. Some also heard him spill coffee. The spill made the capable contestant more likeable — and the mediocre one less so.
Vulnerability is powerful, but its effect depends on context. From someone whose competence is established, a fumble is humanising. From someone still proving themselves, it can confirm doubts.
The research: Aronson, Willerman & Floyd (1966), Psychonomic Science.
Adapted from Nudges at Work by Tareef Jafferi, shared in partnership with Happily.ai.
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