I recently participated in a behavior change workshop put on
by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in which ‘behavior
programs’ were defined, various behavior theories were discussed, and practical
examples of behavior interventions in relation to the world of energy were
given in response to this
white paper. A large disagreement was whether or not
existing utility programs and CPUC driven efforts already incorporate behavior
change methods. One of the presenters held a degree in Cultural Anthropology
and as they introduced her there were laughs as it was proclaimed that not many
Anthropologists can be found in the realm of energy efficiency. Without writing
a novel, here are my two cents:
My degree is also in Cultural Anthropology (with a minor in
Exercise and Health Science) and while many people always asked what I would do
with ‘that’, I simply brushed it off
because, while I do understand the limitations when it comes to certain
professions, what can’t you do with a
social sciences degree? I studied people around the world and my experience has
built a foundation from which to listen and learn from a culturally diverse and
sensitive perspective. As a staff person
at a non-profit and an entrepreneur with my health coaching business, I know
the cornerstone of everything is communication. What do people need, what do
people want, and what are the motivations behind these feelings? Recognizing
that the answers will vary across continents, countries, states, cities, neighborhoods,
and even individuals is the key to success for any business model or program.
People want someone to listen to them - to truly listen.
It’s often that they don’t even want someone to
solve their problems. They want a sounding board - a place in which they are
comfortable to let it all out and a person who can lend an ear to empathize. When
given an outlet like this, support, maybe a few suggestions, and the power to
make decisions for themselves, people are more likely to act on whatever
problem with which they are facing. Despite the abundance of technology that
infiltrates our daily lives, we are still human beings at the end of the day. Let’s
revisit these simple, common sense practices of face to face interactions,
brush up on our listening skills, respect one another’s beliefs even if they
aren’t like ours, and learn to work together as people and not as test subjects
for products and programs. Technology changes and comes and goes, but people
will always be people – I hope you see what I am getting at. Once you get back
to basics, I am beyond optimistic and confident that you will start seeing the
desired results in your chosen industry.
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| Image source: hubpages.com |
Energy efficiency enthusiasts, fellow Cultural
Anthropologists, and all other SJVCEO blog readers, I would love to hear your
comments on this subject and the white paper.