Leaders Feel Their Agency Eroding--and They're Starting to Withdraw.

The article focuses on the phenomenon of psychological withdrawal among leaders, characterized by a loss of agency and confidence amid ongoing global uncertainty and upheaval. This withdrawal manifests as indecision, reduced engagement, and reactive behaviors, driven by a breakdown in the perceived link between leaders’ actions and outcomes. The author introduces the concept of "negative capability," defined as the ability to tolerate uncertainty and contradictory information without resorting to avoidance or control, as a crucial leadership skill in this context. To counter withdrawal and restore agency, the article outlines eight strategies, including redefining realities, normalizing volatility, fostering collective problem-solving, and encouraging creativity. The piece emphasizes that withdrawal signals a need for leadership adaptation rather than failure, urging leaders to evolve their approaches in response to a changing world. [Extracted from the article]