The Unseen Advantage 6: The Illusion of Control

Why do smart, capable people keep pushing harder… and still not get the result? In this episode of The Unseen Advantage, Dr John explores one of the most subtle and costly traps in leadership, performance, and decision-making: the illusion of control. Drawing on the groundbreaking research of Ellen Langer, alongside behavioural science from gambling psychology and organisational performance, this episode unpacks why effort often feels like progress—even when nothing is actually changing. Thro...