The Leadership Trap

The Truth About Leadership Decisions That Nobody Talks About

I was recently watching a CEO struggle through a strategic decision, wrestling with complexity on his own. 

Here is the challenge, we don't get to clarity alone.

The Leadership Trap

There's this unspoken expectation that once you reach a certain level, you should have all the answers. The problem is, the bigger the decision, the more you actually need outside perspective.

It's a bit like trying to read the label on the jar you're standing inside of. You simply can't see what you can't see.

When you're too close to a situation, your biases amplify and your blind spots expand. I've watched brilliant leaders make questionable decisions not because they lacked intelligence, but because they were operating in an echo chamber of their own assumptions.

The Power of the Outside Voice

This is where trusted third parties become invaluable. I'm talking about people who can offer genuine perspective without agenda—mentors, peers from different industries, coaches, or wise friends who understand leadership's weight.

The best conversations about difficult decisions aren't with people trying to solve your problems. They're with people asking the questions you hadn't thought to ask yourself.

Why Smart Leaders Seek Input

The most effective leaders I know have quietly built a small circle of people they turn to when facing significant decisions. These aren't yes-people or those with skin in the game. They're individuals who care more about your long-term success than about being comfortable.

There's actually great strength in acknowledging you don't have all the answers. When we invite others into our decision-making process, we tap into collective insight that far exceeds our individual capacity.

The Reality Check

Leadership can be profoundly lonely, but it doesn't have to be. The next time you're facing a decision that keeps you up at night, ask yourself: who can help me see what I'm missing?

Because here's the thing—we don't get to clarity alone. And the sooner we accept that, the better our decisions become.