Leaders report feeling loss of agency and increased withdrawal in workplace

Amy Bernstein Editor in Chief at Harvard Business Review
Amy Bernstein Editor in Chief at Harvard Business Review
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Leaders are expressing concerns about a diminishing sense of agency, according to comments shared on Mar. 23. The issue was highlighted by a leader who said, “I am done. I feel like staying in bed until the next holiday,” reflecting exhaustion after a lengthy meeting. The same leader added, “And it pains me, because my example is needed more than ever.”

The remarks point to a broader challenge facing leaders who feel their influence and control over their work environment is decreasing. This sense of eroding agency may contribute to feelings of withdrawal or disengagement at work.

While the specific causes behind these sentiments were not detailed, such expressions underscore potential risks for organizations if leadership morale continues to decline.

As workplaces evolve and pressures mount, understanding how leaders experience their roles could become increasingly important for organizational health.



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