In a recent episode of The Drive podcast with Peter Attia, Dr. Marty Makary, a surgeon at Johns Hopkins and New York Times bestselling author, delves into how cognitive biases and outdated thinking can impede medical progress. His latest book, Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health, addresses how even in the most scientifically driven fields, human tendencies toward bias can prevent innovation and reform.
This issue is not limited to healthcare—groupthink, cognitive dissonance, and effort justification shape beliefs and actions across many domains, including business and leadership. The lessons Dr. Makary shares are crucial, not only for physicians but for anyone in a position of decision-making, innovation, or leadership.
Understanding Behavioral Biases in Medicine
Groupthink, the phenomenon where individuals prioritize consensus over critical thinking, is a major problem in medicine. Dr. Makary discusses how many medical practices become standard not because of rigorous evidence but due to group consensus. One example is the traditional treatment for appendicitis, where for decades, surgery was the go-to solution. However, recent studies reveal that non-surgical treatments, such as antibiotics, can be just as effective in many cases. Yet, because surgery has been the accepted method for so long, many in the medical community are resistant to change.
This resistance is where cognitive dissonance comes into play. When new information challenges long-held beliefs, the natural human response is to reject or minimize that information to avoid discomfort. Doctors, like everyone else, are prone to effort justification, where they rationalize the time and effort they’ve invested in training for a particular method (e.g., surgery) by continuing to use that method even when presented with better alternatives.
Dr. Makary’s example of appendicitis treatment is a clear illustration of how challenging the status quo can lead to better outcomes. By recognizing these biases, we can take steps toward more innovative and flexible decision-making, not only in medicine but in any field where outdated methods persist.
Behavioral science and business
At Atomli, we see parallels between Dr. Makary’s discussion on healthcare reform and the challenges businesses face in navigating change. Behavioral science has long shown that cognitive biases such as anchoring, confirmation bias, and status quo bias can prevent leaders from making optimal decisions. These biases can stifle innovation and perpetuate inefficient practices, leading businesses to fall behind their more agile competitors.
Just as physicians need to have the humility to question long-held medical practices, business leaders must cultivate a culture of openness and humility. Recognizing that you may be wrong or that better methods exist is key to long-term success. The key lies in challenging norms, embracing data-driven decision-making, and fostering an environment that rewards curiosity and critical thinking.
Challenging Groupthink: Lessons for Business Leaders
One of the most profound insights from Dr. Makary’s discussion is the danger of groupthink, not just in medicine but in any organization. Groupthink occurs when the desire for consensus overrides the need for critical evaluation, leading to poor decision-making. In business, this can manifest as teams adhering to outdated strategies because “this is how it’s always been done,” without considering newer, more effective alternatives.
At Atomli, we encourage businesses to break free from these patterns by adopting behavioral insights to drive innovation. This involves challenging groupthink by encouraging diverse perspectives, questioning assumptions, and using data to inform decisions rather than relying on gut feelings or tradition.
Take, for example, the bias of confirmation. Often, leaders and teams seek out information that supports their existing beliefs, ignoring data that contradicts those beliefs. To counter this, we help businesses implement decision frameworks that ensure all options are critically evaluated before a decision is made. These frameworks prioritize evidence over opinion and allow companies to adapt quickly to new information, making them more competitive in a fast-changing marketplace.
Innovation requires humility and openness
One of the key takeaways from Dr. Makary’s interview is the importance of humility in leadership. Whether in healthcare or business, the most effective leaders are those who recognize the limits of their knowledge and are willing to admit when they are wrong. In the medical community, this humility allows physicians to acknowledge blind spots in traditional practices and embrace new, innovative treatments that benefit patients. In business, this same humility enables leaders to adapt to changing market conditions, accept feedback, and implement necessary changes.
At Atomli, we believe that innovation thrives in a culture of humility and openness. By cultivating this mindset, organizations can avoid the traps of cognitive dissonance and groupthink, positioning themselves as leaders in their industries.
Applying behavioral science to drive success
The insights from Dr. Makary’s work on cognitive biases in healthcare have profound implications for business. Whether it’s rethinking an old strategy, questioning the effectiveness of a product, or adjusting management practices, the ability to challenge assumptions is crucial for long-term success.
At Atomli, we specialize in helping businesses navigate these challenges by applying behavioral science principles to foster innovation and growth. We understand that overcoming biases and blind spots isn’t easy, but with the right tools and mindset, it’s possible to drive lasting change.
Conclusion: embracing innovation in uncertain times
In both medicine and business, uncertainty is an unavoidable part of progress. As Dr. Makary points out, the key is not to avoid uncertainty but to navigate it with humility and openness. By challenging groupthink, acknowledging cognitive biases, and staying open to new ideas, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in any field.
At Atomli, we’re committed to helping organizations embrace this mindset, encouraging them to ask the tough questions, challenge the status quo, and build a future driven by innovation and evidence-based decision-making.
Ready to challenge the status quo in your business? Let’s talk about how we can help you break through blind spots and drive growth.