Do you ever walk into a meeting and instantly feel like all eyes are on you? You mispronounce a word, lose your train of thought, or someone disapproves your idea — and suddenly you imagine a panel of silent judges.
Psychologists call this the Spotlight Effect — the tendency to think people are paying way more attention to us than they actually are. In truth, most colleagues are too focused on their own deadlines, to-do lists, and performance reviews.
In a recent poll I conducted, 40% respondents said that they don’t stop themselves from doing something because they are worried about what others might think or say. In other words, they are not bothered about the spotlight effect.
I on the other hand struggle quite a bit with spotlight effect, especially when I am in unknown surrounding or when stakes are high. Here are two things that helped me:
1. Test your assumptions. After a meeting, ask a trusted colleague what they noticed. Nine times out of ten, the “big mistake” you obsessed over didn’t even register with them. It’s a good reality check.
2. Use “perspective flip.” Think of the last time someone else made a slip-up. Did you remember it an hour later? Probably not. Others forget yours just as quickly.
At the outset, I would like to thank you for stopping by my Blog.
I believe that there is nothing right or wrong in this world. What’s right in this moment and context may be wrong in another moment and context. This belief has inspired me to name my blog ‘Perspectives’.
Perspectives is a platform for me to share my experiences, thoughts and perspectives on various subjects. You may have a different point of view. I look forward to hearing them, these are the triggers for rich and deep conversations.
On personal front, I live in Mumbai, India. I love to read; Somerset Maugham and Nevil Shute are my favorite authors. My favorite books are The Razor’s Edge, Mrs. Craddock, Chequer Board and Gone with the Wind. I am thankful to my father who inculcated the habit of reading in me early on.
I am also passionate about traveling, I have been to most parts of India and to several countries across the globe.
On professional front, I work in Human Resources function. Over two and half decades, I have worked across multiple industries and cultures. I focus on Leadership Development, Talent Management, Visioning and Culture, Large-scale change, Employee Listening & Engagement, Employee Well-being, Inclusive work culture, HR effectiveness, Behavior and Mind-set shifts through sustained interventions
I currently lead Organization Effectiveness Function for Aditya Birla Group, a $44.3 billion conglomerate with 120000 employees across 35 countries.
I sincerely hope that you will enjoy reading my blog. I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.
Thank you!
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Perspectives 