The Evolving Leader ‘Certainty: How Great Bosses Change Minds’ with Mike Mears
May 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Mike Mears, a former CIA leadership head and author, shares his wisdom on effective leadership drawn from his diverse career in the CIA, GE, and the U.S. Army. He humorously recounts experiences that shaped his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of understanding employee motivations. Mears highlights how small behavioral changes can lead to transformative leadership practices and discusses the psychological aspects of feedback, showcasing the power of positivity in inspiring teams amidst uncertainty.
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CIA Leader's Hard Question
- Mike Mears was asked by a CIA deputy why pulling levers often leads to no results.
- This question spurred him to reflect for years on leadership and why people resist commands despite authority.
Human Nature vs Leadership Levers
- Leadership levers like metrics and rewards often fail because of basic human nature.
- People do not share what's in their heads, and unconscious survival instincts govern responses.
Brain Wired for Social Survival
- Modern brains are still wired for social survival rather than physical survival.
- Most workdays are consumed by meetings and emails, leaving little time for true leadership engagement.
