The higher the position, the quieter the truth.
This is a reality that many top executives face daily. In my conversations with CEOs, Chairpersons of Boards, and entrepreneurs, a recurring pattern emerges: The higher they rise, the less they receive unvarnished, honest feedback.

The loneliness at the top is no myth – it is reality.
Almost all top leaders I interviewed report the same challenge: Access to authentic perspectives diminishes. Employees, business partners, or even fellow leaders hesitate to provide critical feedback. The fear of stepping on toes or triggering consequences leads to a dangerous filter – one only hears what is comfortable or politically correct.

The higher you climb, the harder it becomes to receive genuine, unfiltered feedback.
However, especially in a complex, fast-changing world, open conversations and courageous truth-tellers are indispensable. Without them, poor decisions become more likely, innovation potential remains untapped, and the development of the organization is hindered.

Most of the CEOs I spoke with confirm this: In everyday life, they often lack the open exchange, the critical external perspective, the brave feedback that truly moves them forward. It is these very perspectives that help make better decisions – and recognize mistakes early on.

To lead, one must be able to listen – really listen.

Good leadership means not settling for comfort. It requires people in your environment who will honestly say what they think – even when it's uncomfortable. And it requires the willingness, as a leader, to actively invite these voices.
Psychological safety, an open feedback culture, and a genuine interest in other perspectives are not “soft skills” – they are critical to business. Without them, teams stagnate. Without them, leaders make decisions in the dark.
Leadership is not a solo endeavor. Those at the top need people who are courageous enough to speak uncomfortable truths – and must be willing to welcome those voices themselves.

The Mole Strategy: When CEOs Listen Quietly
In my conversations, a few openly discussed the application of the mole tactic.
Not to be confused with industrial espionage. In this strategy, employees are strategically placed in key areas or inconspicuous positions – not to control or manipulate, but to capture the unvarnished moods and informal conversations within the company and report them back to leadership.

These "moles" act discreetly, listen attentively, and provide insights that often never make it up through traditional communication channels. It’s not about surveillance, but about a deeper understanding of what is truly being thought, said, and felt.

In complex organizations with multiple leadership levels, this strategy can help identify blind spots and prevent losing touch with the base – because not every truth will voluntarily make its way to the conference table.
Leadership means knowing the reality of the company – even between the lines. Apparently, sometimes it requires a cleverly placed ear at the pulse of the organization.

Caution: The Line to Spying
It is important, however, to exercise caution with this strategy. If the focus shifts too much toward secretive listening and information gathering, it can quickly veer into spying. In this case, the outcome backfires, and trust within the company can be severely damaged.

The Foundation of Successful Leadership: Trust
At the end of the day, one thing is clear: Successful leadership is built on trust. Anyone who wants to be successful in the long term must not only rely on strategic tools but also on building and maintaining a strong trust network.

It is essential to create an environment where people feel safe expressing their opinions – even when those opinions are uncomfortable. Trust is the foundation for honest conversations and innovative ideas. It allows for constructive criticism and learning from mistakes, rather than staying in isolation or the false security of “affirming truths.”

Those who surround themselves with people who hold up a mirror, who dare to say the uncomfortable truths – and who are also willing to take responsibility and act transparently – lay the foundation for sustainable success and authentic leadership. 

Step into Stronger Leadership

At the end of the day, one thing is clear: Successful leadership is built on trust. Anyone who wants to be successful in the long term must not only rely on strategic tools but also on building and maintaining a strong trust network.

If navigating uncomfortable truths and building trust resonates with your leadership path, don't stop here. Explore our post on creating a feedback culture that fuels real growth and discover how to craft an Alter Ego, a consciously designed public identity that’s grounded in authenticity, but deliberately curated.

And if you are looking someone who can lead your event, let's connect. Sometimes, one honest conversation can change everything.