©Copyright Bibi Veth, 2015
I was walking through the streets of Strasbourg, in the late autumn of 2014. I ran into houses, parks, institutional buildings and then I noticed the transparent glass of a library. As I was embarking on my first day of a memorable conference, I came across a tiny book, but with a deep content. Two small elephants were eloquently standing on top of its cover. This powerful symbol demanded my attention whereas it changed some of my fundamental beliefs with simple, yet profound truths. Those who have read the book will know that I am referring to how a basic book can completely change your state of mind. The "Nudge" book has cultivated some greater awareness with respect to one's choices, and how one's horizon allows to make better decisions, in practice. More importantly, the word "nudge" has revealed new insights as it has laid a strong foundation for making better decisions, in our challenging word.
However, if the word "nudge" doesn't ring any bells yet, I don't blame you. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines nudge as: "... The act of pushing someone mildly or poking gently". Of course this is not to confused with noodge. As it turns out, noodge mostly refers to: "...a form of persistent complaining, sometimes even to the point of whining". Eventually today some considerably ongoing dialogues among scientists are still raising important questions about "how to nudge" and how to see some of the world's biggest problems while designing one's "choice's architecture". In keeping with my purpose of trying to explore as much "nudge" as I can, the consecutive events that followed, have been deeply and personally enriching, for me.
Here, I have conveniently forgotten to mention that I wanted to learn how "to nudge in practice". After spending a great deal of time reading the book, I had an urge to challenge myself in terms of expanding my nudging knowledge in practice, at times. As I already had the core material from the book, I opted for using my background in political science to clear some solutions for world's problems. With a few open options left, The Nudge Global Leadership Challenge, had completely riveted my attention. I was quite sceptical in the beginning, for trying out this new program. In brief, I could never imagined this clear-defined program I would reshape my leadership attitudes, but also to train my "nudging" skills, as any other skill.
©Copyright Bibi Veth, 2015
The formal establishment of the program, teams up some brilliant professionals and academics that are laying the groundwork for this new field. Whether team-building activities, or practical exercises, they both have burdened my notion of "nudge". As I was somehow undergoing a transformation of my skills, I realized I was more able of dealing with complex situations, than before. The subsequent events that followed after attending the program, have developed an inner sense of more personal growth. In fact, it was shorter after the program that I realized it is possible to generate greater impact if one keeps systematically working for making this world a better place. My big "nudge" ideas started to get a concrete shape. As a greater admirer of the idea to change the world, I feel that right now I want to bring a larger impact in Albania, the country where I come from. In the months to follow, I aim to organize an event which will bring together people in need. By doing so, I wholeheartedly aim that at a given moment in time, these people would feel more happy. Although in the years to follow, no matter how I will approach to dozens of problems in the world, I will focus on bringing more hope for making our world a nicer place to live. So similarly, when we talk about our world, the list of problems is so long, that only with firm determination it would be possible to have a real impact.
Note: I confirm I have no financial benefits and/ or connections with the Nudge Leadership Challenge or the Nudge book. The article is my original submission, which came as a pure inspiration after participating in the event, and reading the book. (Marsida Bandilli)