The Perception Gap

Send us Fan MailYou walked out of that meeting feeling good. So why did the feedback say otherwise?In this episode of the Psych Leadership Podcast, we tackle one of the most quietly career-limiting dynamics in early professional life: the gap between how you see yourself and how the room actually experiences you. Drawing on 28 years of working with emerging professionals, and grounded in the latest research on overconfidence, the Dunning-Kruger effect, and emotional intelligence this episode covers both ends of the spectrum.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the least self-aware people are often the least equipped to know it — and what the research says about why that happensThe two patterns that show up on opposite ends of the perception gap — and why both are costlyWhere the line between confidence and arrogance actually lives — and why it matters more early in your career than at any other timeA four-question self-audit you can run immediately after any significant professional interactionHow to ask for calibrating feedback in a way that actually gets you honest answers — and how to receive it without getting defensiveThe goal isn’t to be more humble. It’s to be more accurate — so the person the room experiences matches the person you intend to be. Support the showWant to be part of our mission: 👉 Donate TodayPsych Leadership is a division of Rise Up Academics - A 501(c)(3) focused on building leadership and mentoring opportunities for high school and college students. All proceeds go towards this purpose. Want to connect? Email me at [email protected]