I remember the first time,  as a leader, I realized my team was filtering the feedback they were giving me - telling me how great things were going and how successful the program would be. I realized I would have to launch without full confidence—or reassurance from my team—that we’d be successful. I remember working really hard to make it safe to disagree, challenge me or give me feedback – and yet, I was still getting superficial, mostly positive feedback. A mentor was kind

As we ease into a new year, are you reflecting on what held you back in the last year? For many leaders, “office politics” almost always makes the list. For most professionals, the term triggers frustration: favoritism, hidden agendas, and the sense that only the loudest voices get ahead. For high performers, it creates a painful tension: Do I play the game… or stay quiet and watch my impact stall? But here’s the truth that often gets missed: What we call “office politics” is