Thursday, March 28, 2024

Joe Lieberman, Daniel Kahneman, Speak Up, Kalli....

 #469

I was on Business Travel for a week++. So no time to take up blog...

Today, we mourn the loss of Joe Lieberman, a true trailblazer in American politics. At 82, Lieberman leaves behind a legacy as the last free Democrat with independent views and a centrist who walked across aisle to reach Republicans if it served American interests. He, the first orthodox Jewish senator. His commitment to principled governance and his willingness to stand apart from party lines earned him respect across the political spectrum. Lieberman's contributions to public service will be remembered fondly, and his dedication to his beliefs serves as an inspiration for generations to come. Lieberman, was VP Candiate in hotly contested 2000 Election as running mate to now notorious Al Gore. (Bush won by 500 votes to take the presidency after SCOTUS ruling), Rest in peace, Joe Lieberman.


Today, we bid farewell to Daniel Kahneman, a brilliant mind and Nobel laureate whose insights reshaped our understanding of human decision-making. As the author of "Thinking, Fast and Slow," Kahneman illuminated the intricate workings of the mind, challenging conventional wisdom and prompting us to reconsider how we perceive the world. His groundbreaking research continues to influence fields ranging from economics to psychology, leaving an indelible mark on academia and beyond. Kahneman's legacy as a thinker and innovator will endure, inspiring future generations to explore the complexities of the human psyche. Rest in peace, Daniel Kahneman. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman delves into the two systems that drive the way we think: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional, and System 2, which is slow, deliberate, and logical. Kahneman explores how these systems shape our judgments and decisions, often leading to biases and errors. Through engaging anecdotes and rigorous research, he explains various cognitive phenomena such as heuristics, biases, and the illusion of understanding. The book offers insights into human behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding our cognitive processes to make better decisions in both personal and professional life. "My personal learning was never to make fast decisions on impulse and never a decision over phone conversations" Always say I shall come back post call and mull over.!


Speaking up in companies can be challenging for employees, even in environments with open-door policies. Despite the rhetoric of openness and liberalism, several factors hinder employees from voicing their opinions freely. One reason is the fear of repercussions, such as being labeled as troublemakers or facing retaliation from superiors. Additionally, hierarchical structures and power dynamics often discourage dissenting voices, creating a culture of conformity.

Moreover, employees may perceive speaking up as futile if they believe their opinions will not be valued or acted upon. This can lead to a sense of disillusionment and apathy. Furthermore, some individuals may lack confidence in their ideas or fear ridicule from colleagues.

Articles in publications like the Financial Times have highlighted these challenges, shedding light on the gap between company policies and actual workplace dynamics. Despite efforts to foster inclusivity and encourage dialogue, the reality for many employees remains one of reluctance to speak up.

To address this issue, organizations must actively cultivate an environment of psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts without fear of judgment or reprisal. This requires leaders to listen attentively, encourage diverse perspectives, and demonstrate a genuine willingness to consider alternative viewpoints. By fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect, companies can empower their employees to speak up and contribute to positive change.



This week marks the 75th Birthday of one of my favorite cricketer of all time. Alwyn Issac Kallicharan. Kalli, the renowned West Indian cricketer, left an indelible mark on the sport with his exceptional skills and memorable performances. Despite his stature as a "little left-hander," Kallicharan's contributions to cricket were anything but small.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Kallicharan became known for his ability to deliver match-saving innings, displaying remarkable resilience and determination at the crease. However, his career was also marked by the agony of numerous century misses, where he fell agonizingly short of reaching triple figures on several occasions.

One of Kallicharan's most iconic moments came during the inaugural Cricket World Cup in 1975, where he showcased his batting prowess with a stunning assault on the legendary Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee. His fearless approach and aggressive batting style endeared him to fans around the world, solidifying his status as a cricketing icon. I also recollect my first full test match special commentary on BBC Radio when He and Lloyd added 211 for 4th Wicket in 1973 vs England in the first test when West Indies were 64/3.

Despite the frustrations of missed opportunities, Kallicharan's legacy remains etched in the annals of cricket history. His contributions to the game, both as a batsman and as a representative of West Indian cricket, continue to inspire generations of aspiring cricketers. Alwyn Kallicharan will always be remembered for his talent, tenacity, and unforgettable moments on the cricket field. Infact there was a Hindi movie named, "Kallcharan" (No connection to cricket).

Regards

Karthik.

28/3/24.

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