“It's Not Me, It's Them” | The 7 Leadership Traps: Trap #1

"It's not me, it's them." Four words. That's all it takes to miss the real problem.In this episode of The Inner Edge, executive coach Janet Ioli unpacks the first of seven leadership traps. This is the one she sees more than any other, and the one leaders defend the hardest. Through the story of Jack, a brilliant, fast-scaling CEO who built an empire and an intimidating reputation without ever realizing it, Janet reveals a psychological pattern so common it has a name, and once you see it, you can't unsee it in yourself.Because here's the uncomfortable truth: your team's behavior might not be telling you who they are. It might be telling you something about what it's like to be led by you.Janet shares the mirror question that starts to close this gap, and why some leaders, even with the best coaching, never fully escape this trap.This is the second episode in an eight-part series on the seven leadership traps, based on Janet's upcoming book, Escape the Traps (releasing October 2026).Chapters:00:00:00 How a Brilliant CEO Became Intimidating Without Knowing It 00:03:37 The Fundamental Attribution Error 00:05:28 What Your Imprint Is Teaching Your Team 00:08:02 The Mirror Question and the Interruption Practice 00:09:29 Next Episode: Trap TwoRead the first chapter of Escape The Traps (available October 2026): https://mailchi.mp/5d2dbf42009c/escape-the-traps-chapterConnect with Janet Ioli:Website: janetioli.comLinkedIn: Janet IoliInstagram: @janetioliYouTube: @janetioliIf you want to become more grounded, confident, and aligned with your deeper values in just 21 days, check out Janet Ioli’s book Less Ego, More Soul: A Modern Reinvention Guide for Women.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Select “Listen in Apple Podcasts,” then choose the “Ratings & Reviews” tab to share what you think.  Produced by Ideablossoms