The AI draft reads beautifully. The numbers line up. A leader reads it once and thinks: this is obviously good. New experiments on reasoning puzzles suggest that feeling can show up whether the answer is right or wrong. So which part deserves a real check?

It is late. Someone brings one more decision, and the leader says three words: “Whatever you think.” Sometimes that is real delegation. Sometimes it is a decision being put off. The team may hear the difference even when the leader does not.

The AI recommendation goes up on the screen. Ten minutes ago the room was arguing. Now everyone is nodding. Maybe they agree. Maybe the debate just stopped. Here is how a leader can tell the difference.