Why Leaders Fail: A New Book Exposes the 'BS' Behind Leadership Struggles

Aiko Bethea is calling out leadership's dirty little secret: it's the BS. In her latest book, "Anchored, Aligned, Accountable," she argues that the real problem isn't a lack of frameworks or intentions, but behaviors like ego, defensiveness, and perfectionism that distort communication and connection. Bethea has the chops, with experience at places like the Gates Foundation and the City of Atlanta, plus she founded RARE Coaching & Consulting. She knows her stuff.

Real talk: psychological safety's all the rage. But Bethea says it falls short. Inviting people to speak up isn't enough when leaders won't address power dynamics. It's about the systems that keep some voices loud and others silent. Power's everywhere, yet we pretend it isn't. Leaders need to recognize it in themselves before they can tackle it. The chain doesn't lie, and neither should leaders.

The BS isn't just theoretical. It's practical. It impacts how we lead. Think a scarcity mindset, where leaders hoard opportunities, or a false urgency pushing teams to burnout. Bethea argues we need to name and own these forces within us to truly transform. Understand your values and stick to them, especially when the pressure's on. It's not about intentions. It's about the impact.

Honestly, leaders need a wake-up call. This isn't just about leadership. it's about personal accountability. The book nails how alignment and accountability can actually make a difference. So, who wins? The leaders ready to do the uncomfortable work. Who loses? Those stuck in their old narratives. It's bigger than people realize.