What assumptions have shaped your leadership experience? And have you ever felt like the “outsider” in the team you lead—like a new son-in-law or daughter-in-law in a close-knit family?

Assumptions shape how we lead, but what happens when they don’t match reality? Whether it’s cultural norms, workplace expectations, or team dynamics, leaders often face hidden gaps in alignment that can make or break their success.

Steven Parker, a business advisor, former CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, and now a business owner, talked about the hidden gaps in leadership alignment across cultures and organizations. With decades of experience in global business and cross-cultural leadership, Steven shares how leaders can gain trust, align with team members, and drive results—without losing clarity.

We discuss:

✔ Why leadership that works in one setting might not translate elsewhere
✔ How cultural and company expectations shape leadership effectiveness
✔ Why observing team dynamics reveals hidden challenges and untapped talent
✔ How identity and self-awareness impact leadership and collaboration
✔ How clarity—not assumptions—helps leaders drive real results

You will hear:

(00:00) - (04:30) How assumptions shape first impressions and workplace interactions
(04:31) - (07:45) Why we have different expectations?
(07:46) - (11:20) The danger of making leadership decisions based on assumptions
(11:21) - (15:10) The hidden leadership blind spot create barriers for new leaders
(15:11) - (18:45) Are you being too flexible or too rigid?
(18:46) - (22:30) When leadership expectations collide: Who should adapt?
(22:31) - (26:15) One small shift that makes leadership easier across different teams
(26:16) - (30:45) Observing team dynamics to identify hidden talents and issues
(30:46) - (39:27) Why leaders struggle with their own identity—and how it impacts leadership
(39:28) - (41:40) Self-awareness and perception: Knowing yourself and helping others understand you