When disruption hits, all eyes turn to the executive team. But instead of becoming more cohesive, many leadership teams become more fragmented.

Why? Because disruption often magnifies unspoken tensions, exposes unclear decision-making, and surfaces competing priorities—all of which are hard to address in the middle of a storm.

When the ground is shifting, it’s tempting to rely on old habits: tighten your grip, speed up decisions, keep moving forward at all costs. But many of the most common leadership mistakes during disruption come from good intentions—gone reactive.

During disruption, leadership can feel like a nonstop response cycle. New challenges arise daily, and the pressure to adapt is real. But when leaders neglect their own development in favor of reacting to everything around them, they risk becoming outdated—not just in their skills, but in their mindset.

When disruption hits, most leaders instinctively shift into execution mode. The focus turns to decisions, deadlines, and deliverables. In that high-pressure space, coaching can feel like a luxury—something to return to when the fires are out. But that’s exactly when coaching is needed most: not once the disruption is over, but right in the middle of it.

Disruption isn’t an occasional challenge—it’s the new normal. Whether it’s market shifts, organizational restructuring, or global uncertainty, your team looks to you for guidance. But as an experienced leader, your greatest tool isn’t having all the answers—it’s asking the right questions.

The right questions create space for reflection, unlock new perspectives, and help your team navigate complexity with confidence.

Leadership isn’t about surviving each day—it’s about creating a structure that allows you to lead with clarity, tenacity and impact. 

Without a solid foundation, leadership can feel exhausting and unpredictable. But when you intentionally develop sustainable habits and frameworks, you ensure that your leadership remains effective, balanced, and fulfilling.

Leadership is not just about setting strategies and making decisions; it is about continuous learning and adapting to a changing landscape. Assumptions, while often based on past experiences, can sometimes become obstacles that limit innovation and progress. The most effective leaders understand that questioning long-held beliefs is essential to staying ahead in an ever-evolving world.

Change is hard. Even for experienced leaders.

When disruption hits—whether it’s economic shifts, organizational restructuring, or industry upheaval—it’s easy to want to play it safe, wait for clarity, or hope things settle down. But here’s the truth: avoiding leadership during uncertainty doesn’t protect you. It weakens your influence and leaves your team feeling directionless.

So why do leaders resist stepping up in these moments?

Let's be honest, even with years of experience under our belts, we can all hit a plateau. You know that feeling, right? Where things are running smoothly, but you sense there's a higher gear you haven't quite found? We’ve all been there, navigating the ever-changing landscape of leadership, and sometimes, a little push is all it takes to reignite that spark. You're not looking for basic tips or fluffy advice; you're looking for real, actionable insights that can make a tangible difference in how you lead.. 

Perception is a powerful force, especially when it comes to leadership.  How others perceive you – your competence, your intentions, your authenticity – significantly impacts your ability to influence, motivate, and guide a team.  It's not just about what you do as a leader, but how those actions are interpreted by those around you.