Leading Yourself When Leadership Falls Short

Working under tone-deaf leadership can be is emotionally draining. When expectations are high but empathy and support are low, it creates stress, frustration, and often low morale. In these environments, it’s important to focus on what you can control: clarify expectations, document communication, set realistic and concrete boundaries, and protect your mental health through intentional self-care and support systems.

Although you can't change leadership behavior, you can manage how you respond. Here are some practical ways to cope with a difficult management environment:

• Clarify expectations in writing to avoid confusion

• Ask, “What specific results are you hoping to see?” to avoid shifting expectations

• Prioritize your work tasks

• Make note of conversations and decisions

• Take short mental breaks after stressful discussions and encounters

• Avoid over-explaining. Be clear and concise while maintaining professionalism (this is important IMO)

• Establish limits on when you’re available for work communications (separate work from personal life)

• Build support with trusted coworkers

• Remember your worth isn’t tied to an evaluation

• Always keep your resume updated to maintain a sense of control

Lead yourself first, and let challenging leadership be just a hurdle, not a measure of you.”