What is the Batman Effect?
Thanks for asking.
For many people, asserting themselves at work is a real challenge.
There's a lot of possible reasons for that, including stress, anxiety, new responsibilities,
deadlines, personal issues or a lack of self-confidence, for example.
But today we're going to talk about an active cognitive strategy, actually a pretty simple
one, based on the psychological concept of self-distancing, that could help you overcome
these obstacles and become more confident in the workplace.
The Batman Effect
Batman is the powerful, vengeful and ultra-confident alter ego of Bruce Wayne, a billionaire who
was traumatized by the murder of his parents when he was a child.
When he does the bat suit, though, the adult consumed by sadness becomes the hero of
Gotham City.
I'm Batman.
In the same way, the Batman Effect allows people to access their heroic selves.
It started out as a strategy in child psychology, developed in 2016 by two researchers from
the University of Minnesota.
They study involved asking a group of four and six-year-olds to perform a repetitive
task for ten minutes, all the while offering them the option to stop and play a video game
instead.
The results clearly showed that those who used the Batman Effect were better able to concentrate
on the task ahead, and less likely to take a break.
They were encouraged to do so by creating an alter ego and imagining themselves as well-known
hero, like Batman.
Does it work for adults too?
Absolutely, and especially in the workplace, although the concept of self-distancing itself
is clearer for adults, it can still be challenging to apply without a method.
By adopting an alter ego, you can view the situation with more detachment and forget personal
feelings that might block you or prevent you from expressing your needs, for example.
More over, stepping into the shoes of a superhero or another admired person can also help
you assert yourself and become stronger.
And don't just take my word for it.
Beyoncé actually did something similar at the beginning of her career.
As a child, she created a persona called Sasha Fierce, who would take the stage in her
place.
Let's listen to her talking to Oprah Winfrey about her alter ego in 2008.
Usually, when I hear the crowd, when I put on my stilettos, the moment right before
when you're nervous and that other thing kind of takes over for you, then Sasha Fierce
appears in my pastor and in the way I speak and everything is different.
Beyoncé would eventually stop using that psychological crutch in 2010, but would no doubt give
some credit to Sasha Fierce for her rise to stardom.
How can I use the batman effect then?
First, try self-distancing techniques by thinking in the third person to gain perspective
on your desires, needs and sources of stress, then define why you need an alter ego.
For what purpose?
Next, create its personality, appearance, name, and even a little mantra that will allow
you to switch and immerse yourself in the new character.
All that's left is to act according to how the character behaves.
This technique can be very useful, especially at the beginning of your career or when joining
a new company.
Maybe after a while you'll feel comfortable enough to no longer need it, just like what
happened with Beyoncé.
There you have it!
Now you know what the batman effect is.
In under three minutes we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind
the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines.
Listen along and you will really know for sure.
