Why Effective Leaders Get Branded as Problems

A high-tech executive I coached, Anna*, was told she had a “blind spot” just a year into her role. Her CEO admired her decisiveness, respected her clarity, and valued her confidence. At the same time, he began receiving complaints, which he relayed to Anna quickly. A pattern was clear: “She moves too fast.” “She makes decisions before the rest of us are ready.” “We’re always in catch-up mode.”