Now here is a nice card for you to to put on the table, the next time you hear someone talking about awareness as if behaviour naturally follows that. Dr Ben Tiggelaar explains in just 40 seconds that 95% of our behaviour is unplanned and automatic. So you need clever techniques which make use of external stimuli to support behaviour.
Also persuasive technology expert BJ Fogg strongly advises restraint with trying to motivate people (including ‘raising awareness’) when your goal is new behaviour for the long term. ‘If you can choose between motivating or making the desired behaviour easier, choose the latter,’ is his watchword.
That instantly nuances the title of this blog. First consider what type of behaviour you are going for. Planned and aware? Additionally motivating people already involved is fine. Not planned and unaware? Employ different techniques, such as facilitating.