Discussion about productivity
# Anchor Bias: How First Impressions Stick
When shopping, the first price tag you see sets a powerful reference point. Notice how a ₹50,000 TV display at the store entrance makes the ₹35,000 model seem like a “great deal” later, despite being expensive in absolute terms. Similarly, managers who first hear “our competitor charges ₹2,000” struggle to consider pricing their own service at ₹3,500—even when their offering delivers twice the value.
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 […]
You know, have you ever purchased something new—a bright red car—and then immediately begun to notice it everywhere you go? This isn’t coincidence; it’s the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, a cognitive bias when everything becomes personally significant and our perception sharpens. This image depicts that moment of intrigued awareness—a newcomer to car ownership, big-eyed, with identical red cars in an otherwise unremarkable urban environment. It’s a playful demonstration of how we filter reality according to what we recently became attuned to.
Have you ever wondered why smart people and successful organizations sometimes continue with obviously failing projects? The answer lies in a powerful cognitive trap called “plan continuation bias” – our tendency to press forward with an initial plan despite mounting evidence that it’s no longer the best course of action.
From the manufacturing floor to the boardroom, this psychological blind spot causes us to ignore warning signs, discount new information, and sometimes literally steer into danger rather than adapt. In India’s manufacturing sector alone, companies like Tata Motors, Hindustan Motors, and others have lost billions of rupees by falling victim to this invisible force.
Ever hit a big goal, then found yourself slipping back to old habits? That’s the problem with goal-setting without a process.
What happens when a friendly smile meets an incomplete form? It’s a moment that tests the balance between trust and protocol—one that plays out in offices, hospitals, and workplaces everywhere. Whether it’s a doctor asking for your signature or a manager rushing you to approve a project, the tension between human connection and procedural rigor is universal. But how do we navigate these gray areas without compromising relationships or accountability?
“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 […]
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 […]
Inbox Zero is a productivity strategy aimed at keeping your email inbox empty or nearly empty at all times. The approach involves promptly processing incoming emails by deleting, delegating, responding, deferring, or archiving them. This practice helps reduce stress and improve efficiency by preventing email overload.
Management’s engagement is the crucial bottleneck in fostering innovation. As highlighted by Goldratt and Adam Grant, a manager’s biases can stifle potentially groundbreaking ideas. To drive success, leaders must adopt a scientist mindset, embrace humility, rethink established practices, seek diverse perspectives, and focus on incremental changes. Embracing these strategies can unlock creative potential.