The 15% Disclosure Rule
by Carole Robin • Co-founder at Leaders in Tech & Former Stanford GSB Professor at Leaders in Tech
Carole Robin taught the legendary 'Interpersonal Dynamics' (known as 'Touchy Feely') course at Stanford GSB for over 20 years. She is the co-author of 'Connect' and now runs Leaders in Tech, helping high-growth tech leaders build robust relationships and effective cultures.
🎙️ Episode Context
Carole Robin dismantles the myth that 'soft skills' are secondary in business, arguing that interpersonal competence is the primary driver of professional success. She provides a masterclass on giving feedback without causing defensiveness, the strategic use of vulnerability, and how to navigate the 'three realities' of human interaction. The episode offers a rigorous toolkit for product leaders to move relationships from transactional to exceptional.
Problem It Solves
Solves the 'Goldilocks' problem of vulnerability: sharing too little creates distance, while sharing too much (oversharing) damages professional credibility.
Framework Overview
A risk-management heuristic for building trust. It encourages leaders to step slightly outside their 'Comfort Zone' into the 'Learning Zone' without entering the 'Danger Zone.'
🧠 Framework Structure
Visualize three concentric circles: C...
Identify a piece of information or fe...
Push yourself to share 15% more than ...
Observe the reaction; if reciprocated...
Differentiate 'Appropriate Vulnerabil...
When to Use
When onboarding new team members, during difficult all-hands meetings (e.g., bad metrics), or when trying to bond with a co-founder.
Common Mistakes
Confusing vulnerability with weakness or emotional dumping. The goal is to show humanity, not incompetence.
Real World Example
A CEO missed a product deadline. Instead of yelling (Comfort Zone/Anger), he used the 15% rule to admit, 'I am scared that I am the only one worried about this.' The team immediately rallied to fix it.
If you step a little bit outside your comfort zone, you're very unlikely to freak yourself or the other person out... then we settle into a new, slightly larger comfort zone.
— Carole Robin