When Leadership Cracks: Navigating Pressure, Purpose, and Realignment
A few days ago, we discovered a crack in our kitchen window. The glazier (yes, I had to Google it—that’s the person who repairs windows) explained that it happened because of the extreme temperature difference between the inside and outside. There was warm air inside and freezing air outside. The pressure built up, and eventually, the glass gave way.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how similar this experience is to that of many of the leaders I’ve coached.
The Pressure of Misalignment
Leadership isn’t just about strategy, execution, and decision-making. It also includes aligning who we are internally and the environments we navigate externally. When that alignment is missing, the pressure builds.
Maybe you’re leading in a space where the expectations put on you clash with your integrity. Perhaps you’re part of a system that doesn’t fully align with your deepest sense of purpose. Maybe you’re constantly stretching yourself to fit into a mold that doesn’t feel like you.
And when that gap becomes too wide? We crack.
I know this because I’ve had seasons where I cracked under the weight of that disconnect. There were times when I felt exhausted and disillusioned and questioned whether I could keep leading in a way that felt true to who I am. It wasn't that I wasn’t strong enough; the tension was unsustainable.
What It Looks Like When You Crack
Cracking under pressure doesn’t always look like a dramatic breakdown, although it can be. Sometimes, it’s subtle—a slow disengagement, an exhaustion you can’t shake, a quiet questioning of whether you’re in the right place. It may show up as:
Feeling emotionally drained even after rest
Resenting the work or the people around you
Losing confidence in your decisions or doubting your leadership ability
Feeling disconnected from your sense of purpose
Struggling to find joy or motivation in what used to inspire you
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to pause and check in with yourself.
Creating Space to Realign
Recognizing the cracks is just the first step. To begin realigning, you need physical and mental space to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Here are some ways to create that space:
Step Away: Take intentional breaks. It could be a short walk, a weekend off, or a more extended period of rest to gain perspective.
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions and clarify what’s causing the disconnect. Some prompts may include:
What emotions have I been pushing aside?
Where do I feel the most significant disconnect right now?
What is one slight shift I can make to bring my leadership closer to who I truly am?
Am I making decisions based on fear or aligned with my values?
Seek Conversation: Talk to a mentor, coach, or trusted colleague who can offer perspective and support.
Make One Small Shift: Realignment isn’t always about big changes. Sometimes, a small, intentional adjustment in your daily leadership can bring you closer to who you truly are.
By creating space to reflect, you open yourself to clarity and the opportunity to course-correct before the pressure becomes too much.
The Invitation in the Cracks
Cracks don’t define us; they guide us. When we notice them, we get the chance to reinforce what matters most. We get to choose integrity, alignment, and authenticity over fitting in.
If you’re in a season where you feel the weight of misalignment, know this: You are not alone. Every great leader faces moments of tension between their internal values and external pressures. The question isn’t whether you’ll experience the pressure; it’s how you’ll respond to it.
Will you keep ignoring the cracks until something shatters? Or will you take this as an invitation to realign?
Your leadership, rooted in who you are, is needed now more than ever. Keep going.
