Leaders know the vacuum: that silence between a direct request and the room full of people who reflexively nod out of fear.

Confirmation bias isn’t a new leadership trap. AI simply automated and amplified it.

That 24/7 advisor returns even our worst ideas polished, validated, and occasionally adds nonexistent data and “creative” citations.

Smart leadership seeks good information and better filters. AI is not that tool. It’s engineered to affirm.

That friendly “AI can make mistakes” disclaimer carries all the urgency of a wet floor sign at the edge of a very tall cliff.

The antidote isn’t complicated. Find the people who have nothing to gain from agreeing with you.

If AI and the people who need your approval are your trusted counsel, understand the dizzying self-affirming loop in which you’ve placed yourself.