I've found this to be one of the most challenging paradoxes in leadership and life: With new insight comes both liberation and obligation. Once you start to see what you weren't seeing, you can no longer hide behind not knowing. This is why many of us unconsciously resist expanding our awareness. It's easier to remain blind than to shoulder the responsibility that comes with seeing more clearly. The cost of not noticing far exceeds the price of taking responsibility. When we choose not to see what’s in front of and inside of us, we diminish not just our leadership but our humanity. What might you be choosing not to see? It's an inside job.
I agree - and I wonder what the key distinction is between people who feel comfortable in ignorance vs people who feel compelled to respond differently. I suspect it’s a degree of numbness from disconnection. So we can cognitively know better, yet we need to choose to allow ourselves to feel uncomfortable. It’s a call to action that many aren’t brave enough to answer….yet.
your insights about awareness and responsibility really illuminate the path to authentic leadership. how can we embrace this growth?
One of my colleagues says: When you know differently and choose not to act differently, you are being willfully ignorant! Harsh, but honest, and true. Great insights, Tony. As always!
Wow...it's hard to think of a more timely post than this. Thanks, Tony.
Insightful, this will be on my mind for a long time!
Love this TONY! it reminds me of a question. Someone asked in a program on unconscious bias. They said well what happens when the bias is conscious? I said they have a choice, they can now change it or be a …… racist.
Interesting. It is a crucial point in human intellectual and social evolment. The question is not how to get people to change but deciding on how to split off or diverge without disruption to society.
I learned about the concept of willful blindness when I was a law student. . .but outside of the legal definition it's a real phenomenon in life too. It's so hard to allow yourself to "see" what you're sensing when you know you will then have to reckon with it. . .TY for this, Tony
Ignorance may be bliss but it is also is the excuse to stay the same. I agree with the gravity of your comment re how it affects not only our leadership, but our humanity. Yes, timely.
Guiding Leaders from the Inside Out | Where Inner Clarity Meets Organizational Excellence | Founder, LeaderONE.org
2wIn my experience, paradox exists only within the mind. Beyond the mind and ego, there isn't any paradox, only clarity. I'd suggest what we’re really looking for isn’t about choosing one side or the other. It’s about finding a deeper awareness that goes beyond the conflict altogether. True awareness dissolves resistance and ignorance, which reveals a deeper truth. From this space, responsibility isn't something we take on but something that flows naturally. It occurs effortlessly from seeing clearly. It's less about trying to fix or control and more about responding with awareness and authenticity. However, this is a journey. We get there in our own way and time.