Psychologists from the University of New York and the London Business School have proven that people who occupy leadership positions automatically distort perception.
“How they applauded my performance, how they support me!” — the head of the company thinks proudly, leaving the general meeting. Such thoughts warm up his ego, give rise to a sense of his own importance, universal love for him … however, most likely, this is only a feeling. Through a series of tests and role-plays, psychologists at New York University and the London Business School have shown that people in leadership positions are automatically distorted in their perception: their brain exaggerates the slightest signs of approval *. So in reality, the applause may not be so loud, the smiles may not be so warm, and the support of subordinates may not be so massive and reliable…
* Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, May 2012, vol. 38.