Everyone’s talking about how AI can help you be more self-aware, so I gave it a shot and asked what blind spots I might have at work. It gave me a list, and annoyingly, some of it felt accurate. But can we really trust a chatbot to give meaningful feedback? Or is this just another overhyped tech thing?
It might sound overhyped, until it hits a little too close to home.
What you’ve stumbled onto is one of the most surprisingly useful, low-stakes ways to build self-awareness: asking AI to reflect you back to yourself. No judgment. No weird power dynamics. Just a polite robot holding up a mirror.
And here’s the kicker: Sometimes it works better because it’s not personal. You don’t have to brace for tone or guess what’s not being said. You just get thoughtful input and the freedom to take it or leave it.
Here’s why this strange little feedback experiment is worth taking seriously.
1. It’s a feedback sandbox
Prompts like, “What might be a blind spot I’m not seeing?” or, “What would a great boss want me to know?” open up a space where feedback feels safe. You can try it on without defensiveness. Dismiss what doesn’t fit. Reflect on what does.
You’re not getting a verdict; you’re getting a perspective. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to shake up your thinking.
2. It’s weirdly specific (and that’s the point)
I love your question because it gave me an opportunity to try the process myself! I got feedback that was…uncomfortably precise. It suggested I might confuse high standards with essential ones—not perfectionism, but a tendency to hold the bar higher than necessary, even when no one’s asking me to. It also noted that I may deflect attention by spotlighting others, and normalize pressure and complexity to the point that they become invisible.
Oof. But also? Not wrong.
That’s the value of this exercise. AI can surface patterns you’ve internalized so deeply that you don’t even see them anymore. And once they can be resurfaced, you can start making intentional choices instead of running on autopilot.
3. It’s a Low-Lift Way to Build Self-Awareness
No scheduling, no prep, no emotional hangover. Just a few prompts and a willingness to be curious. For anyone who’s short on time (or not quite ready for a 360 review), this is a great way to start reflecting without pressure.
And let’s be honest: sometimes it’s easier to hear a hard truth from a robot than from your boss.
4. It’s a Reminder You’re Always Learning and Growing
The very act of asking, “What am I missing?” signals a growth mindset. You’re showing yourself that you’re open to improvement, not because you’re failing, but because you want to lead with more intention and clarity.
That mindset is what builds trust, credibility and career momentum.
Final word
No, AI won’t replace your mentor, coach or team. But it can offer surprisingly honest insights, especially when you’re feeling stuck or spinning in your own head. The next time you’ve got five minutes and a little curiosity, try it.
Just don’t be surprised if the polite robot sees you more clearly than you expected.
You asked. It answered.
Now what will you do with it?
To Submit a Question
If you have a question for Julia, simply submit your question to julia.lazzara@leadingnow.biz. While we can’t promise she will be able to answer all of the questions she receives, our goal is to provide you with the insights and advice you need to have a successful career.
Julia Lazzara is the president of Leading NOW, an organization shaping the future of workplace dynamics by advocating women’s advancement and engaging male allies to bring gender balance to leadership. Leading NOW is a founding partner and educational content provider for CSP’s C-Store Women’s Event (CSW). Reach her at julia.lazzara@leadingnow.biz.
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