Mirror Mirror - Leadership and Self-Delusion

19/11/2025 10 min Episodio 106
Mirror Mirror - Leadership and Self-Delusion

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Episode Synopsis

In this insightful episode, I dive deep into the theme of self-reflection and authenticity in leadership. I explore how leaders can become distanced from their true selves, often falling for a curated and polished version that feels safe and familiar. Through personal stories and coaching anecdotes, I unpack the subtle dangers of self-delusion and the ego’s protective fog.00:01:00 – 00:02:14Discussion about blind spots, the role of ego in clouding our self-view, and how we often curate a polished version of ourselves as leaders.00:02:14 – 00:03:17Explores self-delusion and reframes it as self-protection; describes how our brains help maintain identity and how we rationalize behaviors.00:03:17 – 00:04:03Provides examples of how leaders might use “style” as armor, referencing a coached leader who inadvertently built a team that avoided challenging her.00:04:03 – 00:04:51Illustrates how lack of self-awareness leads to growing distortions and compares it to a hall of mirrors; warns against mistaking control for clarity.00:04:51 – 00:05:42Describes a 'crack in the mirror' moment, when feedback or crisis reveals unfiltered truth, which though harsh, can be a gift for growth.00:05:42 – 00:07:01Gives practical advice on inviting honest reflection, rewarding feedback, and sitting with discomfort instead of immediately rationalizing or distancing.00:07:01 – 00:07:43Talks about discerning the validity of feedback, considering repeated patterns, and encourages facing uncomfortable truths for real leadership.00:07:43 – 00:08:20Warns against over-polishing personal brand, advocates for brave authenticity, and reflects on the messy nature of real leadership.00:08:20 – 00:09:20Wraps up advice, hopes listeners take the lessons with them, and remarks on recognizing self-delusion moments in self and others.If this episode resonated with you, made you rethink your own reflection, or even just reassured you that you’re not alone in the messy journey of leadership, reach out! I welcome questions, feedbackConnect with Ruth:Instagram LinkedIn Website