An authority gets 350% more

The principle of Authority says that people follow authority almost blindly.

How can people quickly recognize an authority?

It's crazy, but we humans are easily convinced by superficial things like titles, status, corner offices, expensive cars, and even high-end clothing.

There was an experiment in the center of a crowded city where a researcher crossed a busy street against the law to see if someone would follow.

The research went on for a few weeks to get statistical results.

The important detail is that in 50% of cases, the researcher wore an expensive suit, while in the other 50% - a t-shirt and jeans.

The results?

People followed the expensive suit 350% more often.

And that's against the light, against the law, against the traffic, and all reasonable safety rules.

This is how easily people follow the symbols of authority without thinking.

Even when people look like having a high status, if you think about it, they don't have more expertise in things like crossing the street.

There are 2 lessons we can draw from it.

1. If you are an expert, always provide cues for people to recognize you as an expert

2. Think before you act. Don't follow others based on superficial cues

If you embrace these rules, you'll improve your options and avoid costly mistakes.