Every leader aims for the same fundamental goal: to guide their team and company toward extraordinary success. However, a common stumbling block often emerges on this path to triumph—adversity. Like an unforeseen squall on a clear day, it can cloud vision, hinder progress, and test even the most seasoned leader. The biggest challenge and opportunity of…
Self-doubt is a universal experience that can keep you from achieving your goals and reaching your full potential. Although it is a natural response to the unknown and the uncertain, overcoming self-doubt is possible with the help of science-backed tools and a high-performance mindset. In addition, understanding the root causes of self-doubt and learning to overcome it can help you and your team achieve your goals.
To move forward with courage in the face of daunting circumstances isn’t for the faint of heart. Yet, in the dynamic business world, board members, leaders, and entrepreneurs often find themselves standing on the precipice of daunting decisions and uncertainties, requiring courage to take the next step. While intimidating and laden with potential risks and…
By Carey Lohrenz Today the 123rd meeting between Army and Navy will take place in Philadelphia, PA. The Army-Navy Game is one of the nation’s oldest football rivalries, dating back to 1890. The United States Naval Academy and United States Military meet every December as the Navy Midshipmen and Army Cadets play in one of…
In a world that often feels like it’s in constant flux, one thing remains unchanged: the power of gratitude. Have you ever paused to think about the power of a simple “Thank you”? Gratitude, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of leadership, is more than good manners. It’s a game-changer—not just a feel-good emotion;…
As a Navy fighter pilot, communication isn’t just a tool in my arsenal—it’s my lifeline. Amid the roaring engines and radio static, a clear, timely message can be the difference between a successful mission and a catastrophe. This principle isn’t just for the cockpit; it’s an essential truth for leaders across all sectors. In the…
How can you fly your plane with your fuel tank near empty? Or when your autopilot is incapable of meeting the dynamic challenges at hand? What do you do when you’re feeling drained, uninspired, and just plain meh? Given that I’m a fighter pilot, you can probably guess what I am going to tell you to do.
You’ve likely experienced burnout at some point in your career—a sense that you are overwhelmed, struggling to feel a sense of professional accomplishment or efficacy, and lacking support and empathy from those around you. In the past couple of years, many of us have seen up close the symptoms of burnout in our colleagues, and may even have felt them ourselves: low energy or exhaustion or feeling negatively or disconnected from one’s job.
You already know about those typical responses to stress, exhaustion, and overwhelm called fight, flight, or freeze. In the first, your self-protection mechanisms activate to meet obstacles head on with an eye to overcoming or overpowering the stressors. In the second, your inclination to escape kicks in and quickly moves you away from stressful triggers.
In my work with executives and managers across industries, I often hear stories about people feeling as though they’re teetering on the edge of a breakdown, more commonly called burnout, from extreme or chronic stress. All too often, they’ll imagine that the solution is to eliminate stress as much as possible. I absolutely understand the need to avoid burnout, but eliminating all stress should not be the goal.
