Lisa Bodell: The 10 brutally honest questions all good leaders should ask themselves

March 4, 2026

Written by: Lisa Bodell

There’s tremendous value in confronting uncomfortable truths.

In a recent Fast Company article, leadership expert Lisa Bodell argues that great leadership requires more than making decisions or motivating teams—it requires the courage to confront uncomfortable truths about your organization and yourself.

Bodell highlights a powerful gap in leadership self-awareness. Research from organizational psychologist Tasha Eurichshows that while 95% of people believe they are self-aware, only 10–15% truly are. Closing that gap, she argues, requires leaders to regularly challenge themselves with honest reflection.

The article outlines 10 tough questions leaders should ask themselves to uncover blind spots and improve performance. These questions encourage leaders to examine whether they are avoiding difficult decisions, tolerating underperformance, lowering expectations to avoid conflict, or allowing loyalty to cloud judgment. Others prompt leaders to reflect on their own habits, accountability standards, and whether they would want to work for themselves.

Bodell emphasizes that the goal of these questions is not criticism but growth. By confronting difficult truths, leaders can strengthen accountability, raise organizational standards, and build teams where responsibility and excellence are the norm.

Ultimately, the article argues that real honesty is one of the most powerful tools a leader has. Leaders who deliberately build reflection into their routine—rather than relying on occasional moments of insight—are better positioned to evolve, adapt, and guide their organizations forward.

Read the full article by Lisa Bodell in Fast Company here.

Lisa Bodell is a leading expert on innovation, simplifying complexity, and creating impactful organizational change. Her dynamic approach to leadership and efficiency empowers companies to embrace creativity, streamline processes, and foster a culture of innovation. As an author and founder of FutureThink, Bodell’s insights provide actionable strategies for companies to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. To bring Lisa Bodell’s expertise to your event, contact WWSG.

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