This Working Life Leaders, what are you missing?
9 snips
Jun 6, 2025 Dr. Kirstin Ferguson, an author and leadership expert, dives into the common blind spots that hinder effective decision-making in leadership. She discusses the dangers of hubris and the importance of intellectual humility, illustrating these concepts with examples like the UK Post Office scandal. Kirstin emphasizes the art of reflective leadership—urging leaders to ask impactful questions and stay open to opposing viewpoints. She also shares tips for embracing uncertainty, highlighting how admitting one's limitations can foster a more collaborative and innovative culture.
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Curse of Expertise Insight
- Experts often miss blind spots because they over-trust their deep knowledge.
- This "curse of expertise" makes doubt and reconsideration particularly difficult for seasoned leaders.
UK Post Office Blind Spot
- The UK Post Office scandal falsely accused postmasters of fraud due to IT errors.
- Blind spots led to hundreds of wrongful prosecutions, showing catastrophic consequences when leaders ignore evidence.
Questions Leaders Should Ask
- Leaders should ask themselves, "What evidence would genuinely make me change my mind?" before decisions.
- Asking "What might I be missing?" invites team insights and builds trust and psychological safety.
