Sumit Waghmare Insights

Conservatism Bias: When We Fail to Update Our Beliefs

May 2, 2025Sumit WaghmareProductivitybias, general, Goodreads, productive

Have you ever stubbornly held onto your initial judgment despite mounting evidence to the contrary? That’s conservatism bias at work—our tendency to insufficiently update our beliefs when presented with new information.

We pride ourselves on being rational thinkers, weighing evidence objectively before forming conclusions. Yet cognitive science reveals a systematic flaw in how we process new information: conservatism bias. This tendency to insufficiently revise our beliefs when presented with new evidence affects everything from personal finances to organizational strategy.

What is Conservatism Bias?

Conservatism bias occurs when people update their existing beliefs too slowly in the face of new, relevant information. First documented by psychologist Ward Edwards in the 1960s, this bias shows how we tend to “anchor” to our initial judgments, making only modest adjustments even when confronted with substantial contradictory evidence.

Unlike confirmation bias (where we seek information supporting our existing views), conservatism bias focuses on how we process new information once we encounter it—typically giving it less weight than statistical reasoning would suggest is appropriate.

How Conservatism Bias Manifests

Investment Decisions

Consider an investor who believes a particular stock is undervalued. When the company releases disappointing quarterly earnings, they might acknowledge this negative news but still underestimate its significance. Research from the Indian Securities and Exchange Board shows retail investors typically adjust their price expectations by only 40% of what would be statistically justified following earnings surprises, whether positive or negative.

Medical Diagnoses

A 2020 study in the Indian Journal of Medical Research found that physicians who made initial diagnoses were 30% less likely to completely revise their assessment when contradictory test results arrived compared to doctors seeing the case fresh. This “diagnostic momentum” demonstrates how early judgments resist appropriate updating.

Business Strategy

Organizations frequently underreact to market changes that challenge their existing business models. Kodak famously recognized the threat of digital photography (their engineers actually invented the first digital camera in 1975) but significantly underweighted this evidence when planning their future, clinging to their film-based business model until it was too late.

Why We’re Conservative With New Information

Several factors contribute to conservatism bias:

Cognitive Effort

Thoroughly revising beliefs requires significant mental energy. It’s simply easier to make minor adjustments to existing views than to completely reconsider our position.

Confidence Illusion

We tend to overestimate the accuracy of our initial judgments. This overconfidence makes us less receptive to evidence suggesting we might be wrong.

Status Quo Preference

Humans have a natural tendency to prefer existing states over change. This status quo bias reinforces conservatism in updating beliefs.

Social Reinforcement

Changing our minds dramatically can feel uncomfortable, especially when we’ve publicly committed to a position. This social pressure reinforces incremental rather than transformative belief updates.

Overcoming Conservatism Bias

Quantify When Possible

Using numerical probabilities rather than vague beliefs makes it easier to update appropriately. For instance, assigning specific likelihood percentages to potential outcomes forces more rigorous updating when new evidence arrives.

Seek Outside Perspectives

People without attachment to initial judgments can more objectively assess new information. Creating “red teams” tasked with challenging existing views helps organizations overcome institutional conservatism bias.

Pre-commit to Evidence Thresholds

Decide in advance what evidence would change your mind, before seeing the results. This prevents moving the goalposts when confronted with belief-challenging information.

Practice Bayesian Thinking

Named after 18th-century mathematician Thomas Bayes, Bayesian reasoning provides a formal framework for updating probabilities based on new evidence. Even informal Bayesian thinking—explicitly considering both prior beliefs and the strength of new evidence—can improve belief updating.

Real-World Impact

Conservatism bias isn’t just an academic curiosity, it has substantial real-world consequences. Companies that fail to adequately update their strategic thinking face extinction. Investors who insufficiently revise their market views sacrifice returns. Medical professionals who inadequately integrate new test results may miss critical diagnoses.

By recognizing our tendency toward conservatism bias, we can deliberately counteract it, ensuring that our beliefs more accurately reflect all available evidence rather than giving undue weight to our initial judgments.

The next time you encounter information challenging what you believe, ask yourself: Am I giving this evidence the weight it truly deserves, or am I being conservative in updating my beliefs?

Selective Attention Bias: Why You See Your New Car Everywhere

May 1, 2025Sumit WaghmareProductivitybias, Goodreads, leadership, productive

I recall when I brought my Jeep, with very peculiar and unique grey color, I suddenly I’m seeing grey Jeep everywhere. On my commute, in parking lots, at the grocery store—they’re multiplying like rabbits! Or are they? This phenomenon has a name: selective attention bias.

Let me share what I’ve learned about this fascinating quirk of our minds and how it shapes our daily experiences, both personally and professionally.

What is Selective Attention Bias?

Selective attention bias occurs when our minds prioritize information that aligns with our current focus or interests while filtering out everything else. As cognitive psychologist Daniel Kahneman explains in his book “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” our brains have limited processing capacity and must be selective about what information receives our conscious attention.

“We can be blind to the obvious, and we are also blind to our blindness,” Kahneman writes. This blindness isn’t a flaw, it’s a feature that helps us navigate an overwhelmingly complex world.

The “Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon” (or Frequency Illusion)

That experience with my Jeep Compass? It has another name: the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon or frequency illusion. Once something enters your awareness, you start noticing it everywhere.

Stanford linguistics professor Arnold Zwicky coined the term “frequency illusion” in 2006 to describe this cognitive bias. The thing isn’t actually more common, you’re just more attuned to it 😀.

Real-World Brand Examples

The FedEx Arrow

Look at the FedEx logo. Do you see the arrow between the “E” and “x”? Once someone points it out, you can’t unsee it. But many people go years without noticing this clever design element.

Amazon’s Smile

The Amazon logo has an arrow that points from A to Z (suggesting they sell everything) while forming a smile. Before someone mentions it, most people only see the smile without noticing the A-to-Z connection.

Toblerone’s Hidden Bear

The Toblerone logo contains the silhouette of a bear hidden in the mountain imagery, a nod to Bern, Switzerland (known as the “City of Bears”) where the chocolate was created. Once seen, it’s obvious, but many chocolate lovers miss it completely.

How This Affects Our Lives

Making Decisions

We tend to notice information that confirms our existing beliefs while overlooking contradictory evidence. This confirmation bias affects everything from which news sources we trust to which products we buy.

Marketing and Advertising

Marketers leverage selective attention brilliantly. As marketing professor Jonah Berger notes in his book “Contagious,” “People don’t think in terms of information. They think in terms of narratives.” Brands create narratives that align with your current focus, making their products seemingly appear everywhere.

Personal Development

Being aware of selective attention bias can help us grow. By consciously exposing ourselves to diverse perspectives, we can counteract our brain’s natural tendency to filter information that challenges our worldview.

A Personal Reflection

Last month, I was researching ergonomic office chairs for myself (exciting, I know). Within days, I started noticing office chair ads everywhere online, colleagues’ chairs during video calls, and even found myself analyzing seating in coffee shops.

Was the universe suddenly obsessed with office furniture? Nope—just my brain selectively focusing on what had recently become important to me.

The Professional Takeaway

Understanding selective attention bias has made me a better professional:

I deliberately seek diverse perspectives before making decisions
I question whether I’m seeing patterns that aren’t actually there
I recognize when I might be filtering out important contradictory information

As American psychologist William James observed back in 1890, “My experience is what I agree to attend to.” By becoming conscious of our selective attention, we gain more control over our experience of the world.

What are you selectively attending to today? Look around, you might be surprised by what you’ve been missing!

Availability Bias : When What Comes to Mind Isn’t What Matters

Apr 30, 2025Sumit WaghmareGoodReadbias, Goodreads

When What Comes to Mind Isn’t What Matters: Availability Bias in Daily Life

We all make dozens of decisions every day, from what to eat for breakfast to how to approach a work project. But how rational are these choices? Cognitive psychologists have identified numerous biases that influence our thinking, and one of the most pervasive is availability bias: our tendency to overweight information that easily comes to mind.

What is Availability Bias?

Availability bias occurs when we base judgments on information that’s mentally “available”, examples that easily come to mind because they’re recent, emotional, or vivid, rather than on complete data or statistics.

As Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman noted, “The mind overestimates unlikely events that are easy to recall.” This bias affects everyone from consumers to CEOs, subtly shaping decisions in ways we rarely notice.

Few Examples from India and Abroad

Manufacturing Safety Decisions

In 2019, after a dramatic machinery accident at a textile factory in Tirupur received significant media coverage, many Indian textile manufacturers invested heavily in that specific type of machine safety equipment. However, data from the Directorate General Factory Advice Service showed that more common hazards like improper material handling caused 58% of factory injuries that year, while machinery accidents accounted for only 14%.

Travel Fears vs. Reality

After Air India Express Flight 1344 crashed in August 2020 during the pandemic, many Indian travelers expressed increased anxiety about flying. Meanwhile, National Crime Records Bureau statistics showed that road accidents in India claimed over 150,000 lives that same year—making car travel approximately 1,000 times more dangerous per kilometer traveled than flying.

Consumer Product Perceptions

When a major smartphone battery defect made international headlines in 2016, consumers worldwide became hyper-aware of potential battery issues. A 2017 survey by the Consumer Electronics Association found 74% of respondents listed battery safety as a top concern when purchasing a new phone, despite the actual failure rate being less than 0.01% of devices.

How This Bias Shapes Our World

Medical Decisions

A study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research found that patients were significantly more likely to reject a treatment if they personally knew someone who had experienced a rare side effect. This occurred even when presented with statistics showing the treatment’s overwhelming benefits for most patients.

Investment Behavior

When the Indian stock market experienced a sharp correction in early 2022, many retail investors pulled their money out, fearing another major crash like 2008. However, historical data from the Bombay Stock Exchange shows that staying invested through downturns has consistently produced better returns than trying to time market exits and entries.

Overcoming Availability Bias

Seek Statistical Context

When a story grabs your attention, actively look for statistics that put it in context. Is this dramatic event representative or an outlier?

Diversify Information Sources

Consuming varied information sources helps provide a more balanced view of reality. Look beyond trending stories to understand what issues might be important but less visible.

Keep a Decision Journal

Recording your decisions and their outcomes helps identify patterns where availability bias might be influencing your choices. Many successful business leaders in both India and internationally credit this practice with improving their decision quality.

Ask the “Base Rate” Question

When evaluating a situation, ask: “How common is this generally?” For example, before panicking about a medical symptom featured in a news story, check how frequently it actually occurs in the population.

The Path Forward

Availability bias isn’t something we can eliminate, it’s hardwired into how our brains work. However, awareness of this bias can help us pause and consider whether our intuitive judgments might be skewed by what easily comes to mind rather than what actually matters.

By balancing vivid stories with statistical context, we can make decisions that better reflect reality rather than merely what’s most available in our memory.

The next time a dramatic story influences your thinking, ask yourself: Is this truly representative, or simply what comes to mind most easily?

Plan Continuation Bias: When “Staying the Course” Becomes Dangerous

Apr 29, 2025Sumit WaghmareProductivitybias, Goodreads

We’ve all been there. You’re driving to a destination using your usual route when a traffic alert pops up on your phone. There’s major congestion ahead, but you think, “I’ll stick with this road anyway—it’s the one I know best.” Twenty minutes later, you’re sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, watching cars zip by on the alternate route you could have taken.

What just happened? You experienced plan continuation bias—a cognitive trap that affects everyone from everyday commuters to airline pilots, business leaders, and project managers.

What Is Plan Continuation Bias?

Dangers of sticking to a plan despite negative
consequences.

Plan continuation bias (sometimes called “get-there-itis”) is our tendency to continue with an original plan despite changing conditions that make the plan no longer safe, viable, or beneficial. It’s our natural reluctance to revise or abandon a course of action once we’ve committed to it, even when warning signs suggest we should.

This bias is particularly dangerous because it operates below our conscious awareness. We don’t actively decide to ignore new information—we simply fail to give it appropriate weight against our pre-existing plan.

The Psychology Behind the Bias

Several psychological factors contribute to plan continuation bias:

Confirmation bias: We notice and prioritize information that confirms our existing plan while downplaying contradictory evidence.
Loss aversion: Changing plans often involves accepting immediate losses (of time, money, or effort already invested), which we’re naturally wired to avoid.
Goal fixation: When we become hyper-focused on reaching a goal, we may ignore the growing costs or risks of continuing.
Social pressure: No one wants to be seen as indecisive or as someone who “gives up” easily.
Mental workload: Creating a new plan requires cognitive effort, which our brains naturally try to conserve.

Real-World Examples

Aviation Disasters

The concept of plan continuation bias was first extensively studied in aviation, where it contributes to numerous accidents. For example Air India Express Flight 812 crash On 22 May 2010, the Boeing 737-800 passenger jet operating the flight crashed on landing at Mangalore. The crash exemplifies this bias in action. Despite flying into known trouble and deviating many guidelines, the pilots continued their planned route rather than diverting, ultimately encountering shorter runway that led to the crash and loss of almost of all 158!souls on plane. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_India_Express_Flight_812

Business Failures

Kodak’s infamous decline illustrates plan continuation bias in business. Despite developing the first digital camera in 1975, Kodak continued focusing on its traditional film business. As digital photography revolutionized the market, Kodak stubbornly stuck to its original business model until it was too late.

Project Management

Let’s take an example, Kingfisher Airlines’ Aircraft Manufacturing Partnership (2005-2012):

Vijay Mallya pursued aggressive expansion with aircraft manufacturing partnerships despite clear financial warning signs
The company continued ordering new aircraft and expanding routes when their finances were deteriorating
Leadership ignored maintenance issues and operational inefficiencies
Eventually collapsed with approximately ₹7,000 crore in debt

How to Combat Plan Continuation Bias

Build decision gates into your plans: Establish predefined points where you’ll stop and reassess whether continuing makes sense.
Assign a devil’s advocate: Designate someone whose job is to question the plan and highlight potential problems.
Create psychological safety: Foster an environment where changing direction isn’t seen as failure but as smart adaptation.
Develop and practice contingency plans: Having alternative plans ready makes it easier to switch when necessary.
Monitor for warning signs: Establish clear metrics that would indicate when a plan needs reconsideration.
Take a step back: Periodically distance yourself from day-to-day execution to evaluate the big picture objectively.

The Adaptability Advantage

While persistence is often celebrated as a virtue, knowing when to change course is equally important. The most successful individuals and organizations aren’t those who never fail, but those who recognize failure quickly and adapt accordingly.

Remember: The most dangerous words in business (and life) might just be “we’ve always done it this way” or “we’ve come too far to turn back now.”

By understanding plan continuation bias and actively working to counteract it, we can make better decisions, avoid unnecessary risks, and ultimately achieve better outcomes—even if the path to those outcomes looks different than we initially imagined.

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a failing plan? What strategies helped you recognize when it was time to change course? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Leadership : Finding the Balance

Apr 27, 2025Sumit WaghmareGoodReadgeneral, Goodreads, leadership, productive

Leadership is a widely discussed topic, also one of the favoured topic of mine to read and write. And again and again I came across more or less same question, what truly defines a “good leader”? I recently came across a thought-provoking question that captures a common debate:

A. A good leader expects people to decide for themselves what they should do.

B. A good leader makes it clear to everybody what their jobs are

PS: I was taking survey made by Sejal Waghmare at TheVibrantAura

Both statements present unique perspectives on leadership, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. I would like to discuss how these ideas can influence team productivity and promote human-centric work environments..

Option A: Empowering Independence

Leaders who allow team members to decide for themselves foster autonomy, trust, and innovation. This approach taps into intrinsic motivation—when people have ownership over their work, they’re often more engaged and creative. It’s especially effective in environments where flexibility and adaptability are valued.

However, too much autonomy without guidance can lead to confusion, misaligned priorities, and duplicated efforts. Not everyone feels comfortable making decisions without a framework, especially new or less confident team members.

Option B: Providing Clear Direction

On the other hand, leaders who clarify roles and responsibilities help ensure alignment, accountability, and efficiency. When everyone knows what’s expected, teams can focus, collaborate more smoothly, and avoid wasted time or misunderstandings. This style supports productivity, especially in high-pressure or complex situations.

But there’s a downside: if directions are too rigid or prescriptive, team members may feel micromanaged or stifled, leading to disengagement and missed opportunities for innovation.

Finding the Balance: Human-Centric Leadership

The most effective leaders balance both approaches. They provide clarity about goals, roles, and expectations while encouraging team members to use their judgment and creativity within that framework. This balance empowers individuals and drives productivity, while also fostering trust, engagement, and growth.

The key is clarity, which requires excellent communication skills and empathy when conveying information to the individual.

Leaders who aspire to lead a successful team, needs to get him self clarified first when it comes to expectations and deliverables.

Deliverables can be effectively defined using various tools such as the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). However, setting expectations requires more than just defining deliverables; it demands a clear and detailed job description along with a well-articulated objective for the role. Only with this clarity can alignment between individual performance and organizational goals be ensured.

Often, team members are unable to see how their roles contribute to the organization’s broader goals. When this connection is clearly communicated, it significantly enhances both motivation and alignment. A clear line of sight between individual responsibilities and organizational outcomes fosters a stronger sense of purpose and accountability.

Parting insights 💭

A good leader doesn’t choose between clear direction and empowering autonomy—they blend both to bring out the best in their teams. By doing so, they create environments where people know what to do, feel trusted to make decisions, and are motivated to excel.

Happy reading. See you soon.

Why Winners Obsess Over Processes, Not Just Goals

Apr 5, 2025Sumit WaghmareProductivityBooks, Goodreads, leadership, productive

Winners Focus on Processes, Losers Fixate on Goals – anonymous

Ever hit a big goal, then found yourself slipping back to old habits? That’s the problem with goal-setting without a process.

Many people believe that setting ambitious goals is the key to success. However, high achievers don’t just set goals—they build systems and processes that make success inevitable.

Many of us believe SMART goal is enough to deliver, what we miss is “how to repeat the performance”? And that’s answered by the process. A process to achieve the Goal is more important than the only focusing on Goal, this will help keep the pace when the goals become blurry due to some unforeseen conditions in the way to achieve the goal.

This idea is best captured by James Clear in Atomic Habits:

You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.

Let’s break this down further.

1. Goals Give Direction, But Processes Drive Progress

Imagine two runners preparing for a marathon:

• Runner A sets a goal to finish the race in under four hours but doesn’t follow a structured training plan.

• Runner B sets the same goal but focuses on a disciplined routine—consistent training, proper nutrition, and recovery strategies.

When race day arrives, Runner B is far more likely to succeed. Why? Because they followed a process that naturally led to their goal.

A goal is just an outcome. A process is the repeated effort that makes the outcome possible.

Goals are the destination; systems are the GPS.

2. Winners Fall in Love with the Process

A common mistake people make is thinking, “Once I achieve my goal, I’ll be happy.” But this mindset often leads to frustration:

• A student who aims for straight A’s but crams before exams is unlikely to retain knowledge.

• A company that chases revenue targets without refining its operations will struggle to scale.

On the other hand, successful people don’t just work toward a goal—they enjoy the daily habits and actions that bring them closer to it.

Cramming may get grades, but not confidence. Growth without good systems leads to stress, not scale.

3. Why Just Chasing Goals is a Problem

• Goals create temporary motivation , You push hard until you reach the target, but what happens next? Without a system, success isn’t sustainable.

• Goals rely on external validation , If you only measure success by hitting targets, you might feel like a failure when you miss one.

• A manager focused solely on reducing machine downtime in the current quarter might skip preventive maintenance to hit the target faster. While short-term numbers improve, long-term reliability suffers—leading to higher breakdowns, team burnout, and customer dissatisfaction. By chasing the goal without investing in a sustainable process, the manager risks the organization’s future stability for a quick win.

It’s like building a house on quicksand. Looks fine—until it starts sinking.

4. Shifting the Mindset: How to Focus on Systems

• Want to lose weight? Instead of setting a target weight, focus on sustainable daily habits like balanced meals and regular exercise.

• Want to grow your business? Instead of obsessing over revenue numbers, refine processes for sales, marketing, and customer service.

• Want to improve leadership? Instead of aiming to “be a great leader,” create a habit of active listening, mentorship, and continuous learning.

The key? Make success a byproduct of your habits, not just a one-time event.

5. The Process Becomes Your Identity

The magic happens when your habits become who you are.

True transformation happens when success is not just something you chase but part of who you are. If you focus on the right habits:

• You’re not “trying to get fit”, you are someone who exercises daily.

• You’re not “working toward a book”, you are a writer who writes every day.

• You’re not “trying to hit sales targets”, you are a business that consistently delivers value.

In the long run, winners win because they commit to the process, not just the prize.

Final Thought

Goals are good for setting direction. But processes are what create real, lasting success. The next time you set a goal, ask yourself:

“What system can I build to make this success inevitable?”

That’s what separates winners from the rest.

When a Friendly Smile Meets an Incomplete Form: Trust vs. Protocol in the Workplace

Mar 18, 2025Sumit WaghmareProductivityethnics, leadership, management, productive

A few days ago, I found myself in an unusual situation. A friendly, confident doctor handed me a consent form to sign—but it was completely blank. His warm smile and reassuring tone made it seem like a mere formality, but something felt off. Should I sign it based on trust, or should I insist that the details be filled in first? [P.S. the trust was worth, his amazing skill made recovery fast, thanks doc 🙏]

This moment got me thinking, how often does this happen in the corporate world?

It’s a moment that makes you pause. On one hand, you trust this person. They’ve always been kind, professional, and reliable. On the other hand, something feels off. Shouldn’t the form be filled out first? Isn’t there a process to follow?

This scenario isn’t just about healthcare, it’s a universal tension that plays out in workplaces everywhere. It’s the clash between trust and protocol, between human connection and the need for accountability. And it’s a moment that says a lot about culture, values, and how we navigate the gray areas of professional life.

The Power of Trust (and Its Limits)

Let’s start with trust. Trust is the glue that holds teams together. It’s what makes collaboration possible, what turns a group of individuals into a cohesive unit. When your manager or colleague smiles and asks for a favor, it’s hard to say no. You don’t want to seem difficult or overly cautious. After all, they’ve earned your trust, right?

But here’s the thing: trust isn’t a free pass to skip the rules. Protocols exist for a reason—to protect people, ensure fairness, and keep things running smoothly. Signing a blank form, approving a project without details, or bypassing a process might feel harmless in the moment, but it can lead to bigger problems down the line. What if there’s a mistake? What if someone gets hurt? What if the company faces legal or financial consequences?

Trust is essential, but it has its limits. And that’s okay.

The Corporate Culture Angle

This tension between trust and protocol isn’t unique to any one industry. It shows up in tech startups, financial firms, creative agencies, and everywhere in between. In fact, it’s often a reflection of the broader corporate culture.

In some workplaces, the culture prioritizes speed and relationships over strict adherence to rules. “Let’s just get it done” becomes the mantra, and processes are seen as red tape. This can feel empowering at first—like you’re part of a fast-moving, dynamic team. But over time, it can lead to chaos, miscommunication, and even ethical dilemmas.

On the other end of the spectrum are organizations that are so process-driven that they forget the human element. Every decision requires five forms, three approvals, and a committee meeting. While this might reduce risks, it can also stifle creativity and morale.

The sweet spot? A culture that balances trust with accountability, where people feel empowered to speak up when something doesn’t feel right—even if it means slowing things down.

What Would You Do?

So, back to that moment. The friendly smile. The blank form. What would you do?

If you’re like most people, your first instinct might be to go along with it. After all, you don’t want to rock the boat or seem overly cautious. But here’s the thing: asking questions isn’t a sign of distrust. It’s a sign of professionalism.

Politely saying, “I’d be happy to sign this—can we just fill in the details first?” isn’t rude or difficult. It’s responsible. It shows that you care about doing things right, even when it’s inconvenient. And it sends a message that you value both the relationship and the process.

Why This Matters

At its core, this isn’t just about forms or signatures. It’s about how we navigate the gray areas of professional life. It’s about finding the balance between trust and accountability, between human connection and the need for structure.

In a world where speed and relationships often take priority, it’s easy to overlook the importance of protocols. But the truth is, they’re there for a reason. They protect us. They keep us honest. And they ensure that, no matter how friendly the smile, we’re all playing by the same rules.

So the next time someone slides a blank form across the table, take a moment to pause. Trust your instincts. And remember: it’s okay to ask questions. After all, the best relationships—whether in healthcare, corporate life, or anywhere else—are built on both trust and accountability.

Have a nice day ahead.

Horn OK Please: A Simple Lesson in Embracing Feedback

Mar 1, 2025Sumit WaghmareProductivityleadership

“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” ~ Ken Blanchard

In India, you’ve probably noticed “Horn OK Please” painted on trucks and buses. It’s a friendly invitation for other drivers to honk if they spot a mistake or feel something’s off. Rather than taking it as criticism, it’s really about looking out for each other on the road. This idea can teach us a lot about how we handle feedback in our everyday work lives.

🔍 A Little Cultural Insight

Think about it: when you see “Horn OK Please,” it means, “Hey, if I’m not driving right, feel free to let me know.” It’s not about blame, it’s about making sure everyone stays safe. This simple message encourages openness and helps create a smoother, more supportive journey.

🚙 Tata Motors and the Indica: when customers “honks” and they listens

Consider Tata Motors and their journey with the Indica, India’s first fully homegrown car. When the Indica first hit the roads in the late ‘90s, customers loved its spaciousness and affordability. But they also pointed out issues with performance and reliability. Instead of ignoring the feedback, Tata Motors listened, addressed the problems, and made improvements. By doing so, they built trust and turned the Indica into a beloved model across the country.

👂 What Can We Learn?

Just like the drivers who welcome a friendly honk, managers and companies can benefit from being open to feedback.

Here’s how:

• Keep the Conversation Open: Let your team know you’re all ears, just like that “Horn OK Please” sign.

• Listen and Learn: Don’t take feedback as a personal attack. See it as a chance to improve.

• Act on It Quickly: When someone points out an issue, address it sooner rather than later. This shows you value their input and are committed to making things better.

👣 Simple Steps to Embrace Feedback

1. Talk Regularly: Set up casual one-on-one chats or team meetings to invite honest opinions.

2. Provide Safe Spaces: Use anonymous surveys or feedback boxes where people can share their thoughts without hesitation.

3. Show the Impact: When changes are made based on feedback, let your team know. It builds trust and encourages more open communication.

🥜 In a Nutshell

The “Horn OK Please” idea isn’t just about driving, it’s a reminder that honest feedback helps us all improve, whether we’re behind the wheel or managing a team. Just like Tata Motors did with the Indica, embracing feedback can lead to better products, better services, and ultimately, better results. So next time someone offers you a “horn blast” of feedback, take it as a chance to grow and steer towards success.

Heartbreak at the Workplace: When Passion Meets Disappointment

Feb 16, 2025Sumit WaghmareGoodRead, Productivity

Recently came across a blog post on Professional heartbreak by Morra Aarons and it made me think on this subject.

Work isn’t just about tasks and deadlines—it’s where we invest a part of ourselves. We show up with passion, put in long hours, and build relationships that go beyond professional courtesy. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t work out the way we hope. Maybe the project you poured months into is suddenly shelved, or the promotion you worked for goes to someone else or never comes. Perhaps a mentor you relied on moves on without a word, or you realize that the workplace you once admired isn’t as supportive as you believed. It stings. It feels personal. That’s workplace heartbreak. We may recognize it as ‘Frustration and Cynicism’ or as ‘demotivating’ or sometime ‘Burn-out’ but all these are due to one single root cause ‘Heartbreak’.

More I think about this, the more it makes sense—heartbreak is something we all experience at some point in life. It might come from a lost relationship, a beloved friend drifting away, or an unfulfilled partnership we invested in wholeheartedly. At its core, heartbreak is about expectation meeting disappointment. And if we really think about it, the emotions we associate with workplace burnout or a demotivating environment feel eerily similar. The sense of loss, the exhaustion, the questioning of what went wrong—it’s not just professional, it’s deeply human

The Weight of Workplace Heartbreak

It’s funny how we rarely talk about it in these terms. We expect heartbreak in relationships, but not in the spaces where we build careers. Yet, the pain of being unrecognized, undervalued, or left behind can be just as deep. You might feel drained, questioning why you even care so much. Tasks that once excited you now feel meaningless. Frustration builds, cynicism creeps in, and before you know it, you’re withdrawing—from colleagues, from opportunities, from the very work that used to energize you. Some people react by burning out, some by moving on abruptly, and others by simply going through the motions, stuck in a job that no longer feels like home.

Sometimes, the hardest lessons come from the biggest disappointments. But in those moments, we also find the strength to redefine our path.

Finding a Way Through

If any of this resonates, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel hurt, to acknowledge that something meaningful didn’t pan out the way you wanted. Let yourself grieve the loss of what could have been. Talk to someone who gets it—a trusted colleague, a friend, a mentor, or reach out to your psychologist. Say it out loud instead of letting it sit heavy in your chest.

And then, when you’re ready, try to shift the narrative. Disappointments, as painful as they are, often hold lessons. Maybe this is a signal to reassess what truly matters to you. Maybe it’s an opportunity to explore a new skill, take on a fresh challenge, or even consider a different path. The road ahead might look different than you imagined, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth walking.

Growth Beyond Heartbreak

If nothing else, know that this feeling won’t last forever. The sting will fade, the lessons will settle, and you’ll find yourself moving forward with a clearer sense of what you want. Heartbreak—whether in life or in work—isn’t the end. It’s just a turning point, a moment to pause, reflect, and eventually, begin again.

You can’t control everything that happens to you, but you can control how you rise from it.

I’m sure you came across these emotions, do let all of us know, if you have better way to coupe with this heart break!

2024, My journey with 36 Books.

Dec 29, 2024Sumit WaghmareGoodRead

2024 has been a transformative year for me, not only because of my transition to a new role and other aspects, but also due to the personal growth I’ve experienced through reading. In this blog, I’ll reflect on how the books I’ve read fit into different aspects of my life using the “Wheel of Life” framework, helping me stay balanced and focused on what truly matters.

It’s unbalanced wheel for sure, nonetheless, lots of learning. And a lighthouse for next year, with focus on more balanced reading

Career: Growth Through Leadership and Project Management This year, I delved deep into books that enhanced my professional skills. Dare to Lead and The Infinite Game helped me become a more authentic leader. Learning about vulnerability and long-term vision reshaped how I approach both my team and strategic decisions. Critical Chain Project Management also provided essential tools for streamlining our projects, while Never Split the Difference honed my negotiation skills.

Finances: Shaping My Money Mindset I found new perspectives on wealth and finance in books like Same as Ever and The Unsold Mindset. These works have not only expanded my financial literacy but also taught me about value creation, understanding the sales process, and the importance of patience and long-term thinking.

Relationships: Understanding and Managing Emotions Books such as High Conflict and Emotional Agility have had a profound impact on my relationships. They’ve provided me with strategies to manage conflict, foster empathy, and navigate the emotional complexity of personal and professional connections.

Health: Prioritizing Well-Being Health has always been a priority, but books like Outlive and Feel-Good Productivity reinforced that true productivity stems from a place of physical and mental well-being. Escaping the Emotional Roller Coaster helped me learn emotional regulation, keeping me centered in both work and life.

Personal Growth: Learning to Finish and Simplify In the realm of personal growth, How to Finish Everything You Start and Essentialism stood out. These books encouraged me to prioritize tasks that matter and finish what I begin, all while simplifying my life to focus on the essentials. Seeing Around Corners gave me the tools to think about the future, while A New Way To Think inspired me to rethink my decision-making process.

Spirituality: Finding Peace and Purpose Reading When Breath Becomes Air was a deeply moving experience that reminded me of life’s fragility. It encouraged me to reflect on the importance of purpose, especially in the face of life’s inevitable challenges. Rumi’s Little Book of Life provided additional spiritual insights that grounded me through difficult moments.

Fun & Recreation: Escaping into Fiction Sometimes, the best way to learn and grow is through fiction. The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida and Remarkably Bright Creatures offered the perfect balance of entertainment and reflection. These stories not only entertained but also challenged my thinking in profound ways.

Physical Environment: Exploring New Realms Finally, The Space Between Worlds and The Creative Act helped me explore new ways to interact with my environment, be it physical or creative. These books encouraged me to embrace change and think creatively about how I engage with the world around me.

Let me detailed out these books with each category

1. Career

Books in this category focus on professional development, leadership, and skills.

Critical Chain Project Management by Lawrence – Project management strategies for optimizing time and resources.
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss – Negotiation skills that are crucial for high-stakes professional settings.
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – Leadership skills, particularly around vulnerability and courage.
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek – Perspective on leadership as a long-term commitment, not just achieving immediate goals.
Collaborating with the Enemy by Adam Kahane – Insights on collaboration, even with those you disagree with, in professional environments.

2. Finances

Books in this category provide insights into financial literacy, wealth-building, and decision-making.

Same as Ever by Morgan Housel – A deep dive into personal finance and investment philosophy.
The Unsold Mindset by Colin Coggins – Insights into sales, value perception, and understanding financial impact in the marketplace.

3. Relationships

This category focuses on books that explore personal connections, emotional intelligence, and social dynamics.

High Conflict by Amanda Ripley – Understanding how to manage and resolve conflicts in both personal and professional relationships.
Emotional Agility by Susan David – A guide to managing emotions in relationships, both with others and within oneself.
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander – Ways to transform relationships and see new possibilities in personal interactions.

4. Health

These books focus on mental and physical well-being, fitness, and holistic health.

Outlive by Peter Attia – Comprehensive health advice aimed at longevity.
Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal – Productivity tips that emphasize balance and well-being.
Escaping the Emotional Roller Coaster by Patricia Zurita Ona – Emotional regulation and managing mental health.

5. Personal Growth

Books in this category encourage personal development, self-improvement, and mental clarity.

How to Finish Everything You Start by Jan Yager – A guide on staying committed and achieving personal goals.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown – A focus on simplifying life and prioritizing what matters.
Seeing Around Corners by Rita McGrath – Anticipating change and preparing for future challenges.
Rumi’s Little Book of Life by Jalal ad-Din Muhammad – Wisdom on personal reflection and growth through spirituality.
A New Way To Think by Roger L. Martin – Encouraging the use of innovative thinking in decision-making and problem-solving.

6. Spirituality

This category involves books that provide insight into the soul, higher purpose, or deeper understanding of life.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – A reflection on life, death, and the meaning of existence.
Rumi’s Little Book of Life by Jalal ad-Din Muhammad – A collection of spiritual wisdom for self-reflection and peace.
Khilli by P.L. Deshpande – Spiritual exploration through literature and storytelling.

7. Fun & Recreation

Books that focus on entertainment, creativity, and relaxation.

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida – A compelling fictional journey through the afterlife, combining mystery and cultural insights.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – A charming and whimsical story that balances fun with profound themes.

8. Physical Environment

Books related to improving or understanding your environment, either in a physical, organizational, or technological sense.

The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson – A fictional exploration of alternate realities, touching on physical and societal environments.
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin – Inspires creativity in all aspects of life, including one’s environment.
The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin – Explores cosmic environments and the impact of scientific and technological changes on civilizations.

As I look back on 2024, it’s clear that books have played an integral role in my journey across all aspects of life. From improving my leadership skills to deepening my spiritual understanding, the diverse range of books I’ve read has been a source of constant growth. I look forward to continuing this journey in 2025 with more balanced wheel, with new lessons and new books to guide me.

Check out #GoodreadsYearinBooks @goodreads to discover the 35 books I read in 2024! https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2024/36302373