Social Facilitation
Here’s how ChatGPT defines social facilitation: “Social facilitation is a psychological phenomenon that refers to the influence of the presence of others on an individual's performance of a task. It describes how the mere presence of other people, whether they are spectators, colleagues, or competitors, can affect an individual's behavior and performance.” In 1898, Indiana University’s Norman Triplett studied cyclists to determine differences in performance when racing other humans vs. the clock. He found, “…bodily presence of another contestant participating simultaneously in the race serves to liberate latent energy not ordinarily available…” I’ve experienced my own version of this in training for and running marathons. Without fail, I was always able to run faster and farther when in the presence of others. It turns out we have the capacity to do better, to do more, but reaching that next level is not easily accomplished alone.
I believe the same concept is relevant in work. Not all work, but in the kind of work that involves the performance of tasks for which we have demonstrated proficiency, at which we are skilled. Especially when we’re performing these tasks in the presence of colleagues doing the same type of work. This creates a dynamic which is both supportive and competitive. We want to perform well, ideally better than the rest, but we also know to learn from those better than us. This explains why, in all walks of professional life, individuals who shift from being the best in a “small pond” to being average in a “big pond”, always improve. We need the inspiration of others to get better.
What does this have to do with the office, you ask? I know, you probably didn’t ask - - - and these days, with all the noise about the office, it may be the last place you want me to go here. But go I must. You see, I’m one of those who believes social facilitation is relevant in the context of work. I believe it’s a reason for the office (maybe the reason for the office), that bringing people together makes them better. Yes, I’ve also experienced the benefits of social facilitation in my work life. My professional growth has come from witnessing the greatness of others and from striving to be as great as others.
Let’s be clear. Good enough is good enough. But many of the things we do in life can be improved by more effort. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s not bad to try hard, to want to be better (or even the best). Most of us, if we’re being honest, will admit we can find another gear when under pressure to perform to higher standards set by others. Doing hard things can be, well, hard. But our minds and bodies play tricks on us, telling us we must stop when we have more to give. As we continue to evolve through changes in work, my bet is a new class of super achiever will develop, a group which actively seeks the benefits of social facilitation and significantly outperforms all others. For ambitious young workers, this may be the most opportunistic moment in recent history to stand apart from the pack. Indeed, it’s a time when those who strive for more will gain disproportionately against the backdrop of a general worker population more consumed with redefining the boundaries of work. I say, go!