Podcasts

Using over 1.5 million assessments from leaders worldwide, renowned psychometrician Dr. Joseph Folkman and leadership legend Dr. Jack Zenger are here to settle the debates and let the data speak for itself. Each week they analyze different leadership traits, trends, and what it really takes to get to the 90th percentile. These short episodes feature compelling stories, research, and actions that leaders can take to improve.

Episode 185: Are You Overestimating Your Effectiveness? (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast

Published: May, 2026

Episode Description

Why do so many capable people overestimate their effectiveness at work? And what are the hidden behaviors quietly damaging trust, credibility, communication, and career growth?

In this episode of The 90th Percentile, BreAnne Okoren sits down with Joe Folkman to explore new research from Zenger Folkman on the surprising gap between how individual contributors see themselves… and how their managers actually experience them. Based on a study of more than 15,000 professionals, the conversation uncovers the 8 workplace behaviors people most commonly misjudge — from follow-through and communication to trust and work ethic.

Joe explains why self-awareness is one of the greatest competitive advantages in today’s workplace and how blind spots can quietly limit performance and growth. BreAnne and Joe also discuss why organizations need to start development earlier — before someone becomes a formal leader — and how Zenger Folkman’s new development experience, Extraordinary YOU, is designed to help individual contributors build strengths, increase self-awareness, and accelerate growth at every stage of their career.

If you’ve ever wondered whether others experience you the way you think they do… this episode is for you.

Key Learnings

1. Most people have larger professional blind spots than they realize.

Research from more than 15,000 individual contributors revealed major gaps between self-ratings and manager ratings, especially in behaviors tied to trust, communication, follow-through, and influence.

2. Self-awareness is a competitive advantage.

The professionals who improve the fastest are not necessarily the most naturally talented — they are the most accurate at seeing their strengths and weaknesses clearly.

3. Small daily behaviors shape your reputation more than you think.

Reliability, preparation, responsiveness, and consistency quietly build — or erode — credibility over time.

4. High performers proactively seek feedback instead of waiting for reviews.

People who actively ask for specific behavioral feedback are better able to close the gap between intention and impact.

5. Leadership development should start earlier.

BreAnne and Joe discuss why organizations often wait too long to develop employees and how Extraordinary YOU helps individual contributors build self-awareness, strengths, and effectiveness long before they move into formal leadership roles

Webinar

Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.