Many of us have internal beliefs—I need it done now, I know I’m right, I need to be involved—that feel like truth but actually hold us back as leaders. Executive coach Muriel Wilkins calls these counterproductive beliefs “hidden blockers,” and she talks the Amys through the process of identifying theirs and then reframing them.

They also explore how blockers show up at the team and organizational level, like when lack of trust leads to a bloated meeting culture. Muriel shares how leaders can encourage mindset shifts in their organizations, beginning with themselves, and how to create conditions that allow others to examine what’s driving their behavior without judgment or overreach.

Guest expert:

Muriel Wilkins is an executive coach who hosts the HBR podcast Coaching Real Leaders and whose latest book is Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential.

Resources:

“What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It),” by Tasha Eurich
“Becoming More Collaborative — When You Like to Be in Control,” by Jenny Fernandez and Luis Velasquez
“Are You a Micromanager or Too Hands-Off?” by Carole-Ann Penney
“How to Manage Someone Who Thinks Everything Is Urgent,” by Liz Kislik
“The Insidious Effects of Hurrying,” by Kandi Wiens

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Let Go of the Beliefs That Limit How You Lead