September always brings a big shift in energy. Kids go back to school. The inbox fills. Leaders return from the summer break with good intentions, only to find the same pace, the same pressure, the same firefighting waiting for them.
If you’re seeing leaders head straight back into being reactive, seeming to be exhausted or dithering around decision-making, this might be the moment to ask:
What if we didn’t have to do all this on our own?
Image: Anna Shvets, Pexels
Most leaders are navigating uncertainty with tools designed for the old world of ‘business as usual’, where we had greater predictability. They’re trying to fix complex, people-shaped problems with more structure, more process, better time management and hoping that this time, things will be different.
But that approach isn’t working any more.
Only 27% of organisations believe their leaders are trained to lead through change (Change Synergy). That’s a big mismatch with the level of disruption most leaders are being asked to deal with.
If that statistic made you stop and think, it might be worth a conversation about what support could look like in your organisation
It’s time to lead differently
Business as usual isn’t coming back. And leadership today isn’t about having the answers - it’s about how you show up when there aren’t any.
What can make the difference now isn’t advice or a quick fix but instead, it’s about creating space. Giving people the opportunity to zoom out, think clearly, and lead with intention and not just reaction.
When that space is created, we can:
Spot patterns and hidden assumptions we didn’t even know we were making
Slow down just enough to see what impact we’re having
Lead with more clarity and less stress
I’ve been working with senior leaders who’ve stopped trying to do it all on their own and it’s definitely creating a shift.
If you’re thinking about how to support your leaders differently this autumn, let’s talk.
September tends to feel like a sprint. But this might be the exact moment where slowing down - strategically - can give your organisation the edge it actually needs. And give your leaders the clarity and confidence they need to maintain a healthy culture.