3 Things you might not know about I/O Psychology

Emoticons make people like you. Assoc. Professor Dr. Erin Richard surveyed employees about the use of “smileys” and other emoticons in work emails and found that using them makes the sender seem more likeable, but also less professional when the sender has a position of authority.

Good coaching is contagious. Assoc. Professor Dr. Lisa Steelman evaluated the coaching methods and backgrounds of managers and found that those who received good coaching in high school became better coaches as adults.

Voice volume can predict leadership. Assist. Professor Dr. Jessica Wildman developed an experiment with newly formed teams tasked to accomplish a goal. Those who were most vocally intense – the loudest and most energetic – were more likely to be chosen as the group leader.