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.

You can approve a seven-figure deal by 4pm and stall out over what to make for dinner by 7. That is not a willpower problem.

The same two words ran through her head after every setback: 'of course.' That's not a mood. That's a mental trail worn smooth by years of repetition, and it can be rebuilt.