When: The Scientifics of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink

I first listened to the book A Whole New Mind earlier in the year. Daniel Pink is someone that I greatly respect and I loved learning from all of his research and insights. Timing is important and I know that people are all different. I enjoyed this book and mostly just picked up on the way that different things done at different twins impact the perception people have.

The first thing I noted was the comment about earning calls. I actually noted this firsthand after a stock I held, Nutanix, decreased by 25%.

If a stock earnings call is in the afternoon, the stock price is generally negatively affected.

This was particularly interesting to me. So much so that I read a book by Michael Breus called The Power of When.

75% of people display a peak a trough and a rebound. They experience it in that order. But, night owls experience the day in reverse order.

Wow. Who knew that the diagnosis would be so different just depending on the time of day that your appointment is. I keep this in mind now as I look to schedule various things. People are people and we all get tired, we must be aware of that in others.

Colonoscopies are shown to be conducted differently depending on if they’re done in the morning or the afternoon. Less cancer was detected in the afternoon.

This next part was something that I thought was very valuable. If it’s in our control (and most times if we ask I’d believe that it is) then this is what we should be aware of:

When to go first -

1. If on a ballot

2. If you’re not the default choice

3. If relatively few (5 or less) competitors, can take advantage of the primacy effect

4. If interviewing for a job against several strong candidates.

When NOT to go first -

1. If you are the default choice

2. If there are many competitors

3. If operating in an uncertain environment

4. If competition is meager

This was an interesting fact that I wanted to note to keep in mind for the future and to see how that impacts people in my circle and that I am connected to.

A few people from Emory University found that the more a couple spent on any wedding and engagement rings, the more likely they were to divorce.

I was not surprised by what the data showed here but did want to be sure to make a note of it so I could remember for the future. I think that this is especially important for leaders and those that are looking to motivate others. I know that an opportunity to increase motivation is one that should always be taken advantage of.

Telling people that they’re a little bit behind their opponents led them to exert more effort than telling them they were far behind, a little behind, tied, or a little ahead.

I liked the 5 questions that the author shared about when we might not be as committed to a job as we once were. I think that the questions are reasonable and appropriate for the circumstances. It’s very important to be completely honest when answering these questions so that a true decision can be made.

5 questions to determine whether or not to quit a job. If your answer to two or more is no, might be time to switch:

1. Do you want to be at this job at your next work anniversary?

2. Is your job demanding and in your control?

3. Does your boss allow you to do your best work?

4. Are you outside the defined 3–5 year salary window?

5. Does daily work align with long term goals?