HBR On Leadership The “Hidden Blockers” That Are Limiting Your Leadership Potential
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Nov 12, 2025 
Muriel Wilkins, an executive coach and author of Leadership Unblocked, joins to discuss how 'hidden blockers'—internal beliefs like immediacy and the need to be right—can stifle leadership potential. She highlights signs that signal these blockers, such as low morale and stalled progress. Wilkins suggests reframing urgency into daily priorities and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in recognizing and addressing these beliefs. Additionally, she notes that leaders need to change their mindsets to foster healthier organizational cultures.
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Hidden Blockers Are Internal Beliefs
- A hidden blocker is an internal belief you treat as truth but that actually limits you.
- Bringing the belief to the surface lets you change behavior and reach goals more effectively.
Responsiveness Burned Out A Leader
- Amy Bernstein realized her speed-to-respond habit caused exhaustion and burnout.
- She learned it served early-career credibility but no longer worked at scale.
Start The Day By Setting Priorities
- Before checking email or Slack, decide what you need to get done today and sequence priorities.
- Scan for genuinely urgent items and leave the rest unread until later.
