Why do (senior) executives so rarely hear what they need to improve? I explore this critical leadership blind spot, inspired by a recent article in Fast Company by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and global thought leader on psychological safety, Amy Edmondson. Relying on thought-provoking research amplified by real-world case examples, this episode exposes the invisible barriers that often keep leaders in the dark and offers a toolkit for reversing the trend.

From the dangers of hierarchical silence to the psychology of honest feedback, I review practical strategies we can all use including asking focused questions, acknowledging our own blind spots, and separating our immediate reactions from thoughtful reflection. The importance of acting on feedback, no matter how small, is a simple, yet frequently overlooked opportunity. I also share the powerful example of Alan Mulally, one of the most celebrated and respected CEOs of all-time, to highlight how we can transform our cultures from focusing on fear to unleashing our individual and collective potential.

For leaders who are hungry to boost their impact and foster psychological safety, this episode is full of actionable advice on creating an environment where candor thrives and teams and leaders at every level can truly grow.

What You’ll Learn

- The benefits of feedback.

- What is feedback?

- Ask for specifics, not generalities - The power of specific questions.

- Reward courage – It’s scary to offer someone feedback.

- Act on feedback and communicate your changes.

Podcast Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction

01:37 Today's Topic: The Feedback Gap for Senior Leaders

04:04 What Feedback Really Is: The Zenger Folkman Definition

05:47 Why Senior Leaders Struggle to Receive Honest Feedback

08:11 Strategy 1: Ask for Disconfirming Data, Not General Impressions

10:31 Asking Specific, Targeted Feedback Questions

12:40 Strategy 2: Separate Ingestion from Reaction

14:57 Strategy 3: Focus on Patterns, Not One Data Point

17:18 Strategy 4: Act on One Small Piece of Feedback First

19:40 The Alan Mulally and Ford Turnaround Story

22:01 Red Lights Are Gems: Closing Thoughts

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Feedback, Psychological Safety, Amy Edmondson, 360 feedback, Self-Awareness, Hierarchy, Power Differential, Leadership Development, Constructive Feedback, Actionable Feedback, Behavioral Change, Barriers to Feedback, Receiving Feedback, Accountability, Alan Mulally, Ford Turnaround, Transparent Leadership, CEO Success

Source: Why senior leaders get less feedback—and how to change that - Fast Company