Goldman Sachs Vice Chair Flags Executive Blind Spots, Proposes Skip-Level Meetings
Goldman Sachs Vice Chair Rob Kaplan warns senior executives face isolation and oversight loss after promotions, creating unchecked blind spots as subordinates become their sole observers. He recommends regular skip-level meetings and using subordinates as coaches to solicit candid feedback and adapt leadership traits that fueled their advancement.
1. Executive Blind Spots and Oversight Shift
Goldman Sachs Vice Chair Rob Kaplan warned that senior executives lose direct oversight and honest feedback after promotion, as bosses stop monitoring their work and subordinates become sole observers. This isolation can create blind spots where leaders remain unaware of their shortcomings despite visibility to others.
2. Recommended Leadership Practices
Kaplan advised conducting regular skip-level meetings and treating subordinates as coaches to solicit candid feedback and challenge assumptions. He emphasized that leaders must adapt beyond traits that secured promotions, embracing dissent to avoid stagnation and performance ceilings.