Surrounded by Yes People? Fix Your Feedback Loop.

The Hidden Dangers of Leadership: Why Truth Becomes Scarce

As a leader, you may find yourself in a unique position where the truth becomes harder to come by. This is not because those around you are intentionally lying, but rather due to the natural human tendency to avoid conflict or disappointment. When you hold power, people often adjust their behavior to align with your expectations, leading to a curated version of reality that can be misleading and dangerous.

This shift in communication patterns creates two significant risks for leaders. First, it can lead to blind spots. You might not even realize when someone is holding back information or modifying their words. This lack of transparency can result in gaps in your knowledge and flawed reasoning, which can ultimately affect your decision-making abilities.

Second, the absence of genuine feedback can reduce your openness to new ideas. As a leader, you may start to rely more on your own experience than on evidence, which can lead to overconfidence. Over time, this overconfidence can make you less receptive to alternative viewpoints, creating a cycle where you become increasingly isolated from valuable insights.

Nik Kinley’s latest book, The Power Trap, explores these challenges in depth. According to Kinley, the combination of these risks forms what he calls “The Power Trap.” This trap is an intoxicating loop where a lack of challenge feels like validation, which in turn fuels overconfidence and reduces openness. Add our natural biases—such as filter bias and confirmation bias—and we can easily end up in self-made echo chambers where dissent is ignored, and diverse perspectives are not sought out.

It's important to note that this phenomenon is not personal; it's a natural consequence of leadership. However, it appears to be becoming more pronounced. Factors such as increasing job insecurity, higher levels of stress among employees, and the influence of social media and cancel culture have made people more cautious about speaking up. Additionally, the behavior of high-profile leaders who encourage ingratiation and dismiss dissenting opinions has shifted people's expectations about how they should behave.

Strategies to Combat the Power Trap

So, what can you do to break free from this cycle? Evidence suggests that three key strategies can help.

Break Your Information Bubble

Start by assuming you are in an information bubble and actively seek out different views and opinions. Ask questions and treat diverse perspectives as essential nourishment. For example, if you have a political leaning, try watching news channels that present opposing viewpoints. This practice requires discipline, but it can significantly enhance your understanding of different perspectives.

Actively Discourage Ingratiation

Treat ingratiating behavior like poison. Avoid encouraging or tolerating it. A neutral response or simply ignoring it can be effective. If someone is trying to ingratiate themselves in front of others, consider saying something like, “I appreciate your support, but I’d really like to hear your honest thoughts—what do you really think?” This approach can help foster a culture where honesty is valued over flattery.

Talk About Uncertainties

Embrace the fact that the world is rarely black-and-white. As a leader, you may feel pressured to sound certain, but this can create anxiety among your team members. Instead, use qualifiers and express uncertainties. For instance, instead of saying, “It is like this,” try saying, “The most likely thing is this.” Encourage your team to share their confidence levels and explain the sources of uncertainty. This approach can make it easier for people to voice concerns without feeling like they are disagreeing with you.

These strategies are not a complete solution, but they are a good starting point. They can help you cut through the toxic feedback loop that often accompanies leadership. The reality is that as you rise in your career, the truth you receive tends to diminish. What you don’t know can hurt you, so it's crucial to remain vigilant and open to feedback.

By implementing these practices, you can create a more transparent and inclusive environment, allowing for better decision-making and stronger leadership. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate all challenges but to embrace them as opportunities for growth and improvement.