As executives ascend the corporate ladder, their pool of professional equals shrinks dramatically. According to a 2022 study by Deloitte, 30% of executives reported that they always or often feel lonely. A 2012 study supports this by finding that 50% of CEOs reported feelings of loneliness, with 61% believing it hindered their performance.
Kasia Siwosz, a life coach specializing in high-achieving individuals, observes, "The higher one climbs, the more rarefied the air becomes. CEOs often find themselves in a position where they have no true peers within their organization, leading to a sense of isolation that can be difficult to navigate".
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Kasia Siwosz
Kasia Siwosz`s coaching practice, based in London, focuses on addressing these unique challenges top-tier professionals face. Drawing from her diverse background as a former WTA Pro Tennis Player and investment banker, she brings a multifaceted perspective to her work. Her clientele includes C-suite executives, elite athletes, and other high-performing individuals who often grapple with the paradox of success and isolation.
"My approach is to help these leaders reconnect with their core values and find balance amidst the pressures of their positions", Kasia Siwosz explains. Her coaching methodology emphasizes not just professional achievement but also personal fulfillment and emotional well-being.
The weight of responsibility
The emotional and psychological toll of leadership extends beyond mere loneliness. Top executives often face unique pressures that can be difficult for others to comprehend fully. These include the constant scrutiny from boards, shareholders, and the public and the weight of making decisions that impact entire organizations and sometimes even industries.
These pressures can manifest in various ways, often leading to increased stress levels among top executives compared to other employees. Leadership can be particularly challenging when it comes to maintaining a work-life balance or finding opportunities for genuine relaxation and disconnection from work.
"There`s an immense pressure to appear infallible", Kasia Siwosz notes. "Many of my clients struggle with the fear that showing any vulnerability will undermine their authority or lead to their downfall".
The paradox of success
Ironically, the very traits that propel individuals to leadership positions can exacerbate their sense of isolation. Qualities such as self-reliance, decisiveness, and the ability to handle pressure are often crucial for success in high-level positions. However, these same attributes can make it difficult for leaders to seek support or admit when they`re struggling.
While self-reliance is beneficial in many aspects of leadership, it can make it difficult for executives to seek support or admit to struggling. Leaders often feel that they must always project an image of strength and certainty, even in the face of significant challenges or doubts.
Kasia Siwosz emphasizes the importance of addressing this paradox: "Many leaders feel they must project an image of unwavering strength. But true strength often lies in acknowledging one`s vulnerabilities and seeking support when needed".
Breaking the silence
Addressing the issue of leadership loneliness requires a multi-faceted technique. Some companies have implemented peer support programs for their top executives. These programs aim to create safe spaces for leaders to share their challenges and experiences with others who can truly understand their position.
Professional coaching has also emerged as a valuable tool. Executive coaches provide a confidential sounding board for leaders, offering both emotional support and strategic guidance. The demand for such services has grown in recent years, reflecting an increasing awareness of the psychological challenges of leadership.
Kasia Siwosz advocates for a cultural shift in how we view leadership: "We need to move away from the myth of the invulnerable leader. Acknowledging leadership challenges, including loneliness, doesn`t diminish a leader`s effectiveness – it enhances it by promoting authenticity and fostering stronger connections".
Some organizations are also rethinking their leadership development programs to focus on emotional intelligence, self-care, and building support networks. These initiatives aim to better prepare upcoming leaders for the psychological aspects of high-level positions.
As corporate America grapples with the paradox of power – where increased authority often leads to decreased personal connection – the conversation around leadership loneliness is gaining momentum.
Kasia Siwosz shares that the path forward involves supporting current leaders and reshaping our understanding of effective leadership. Acknowledging that even the most successful executives encounter moments of uncertainty and solitude allows us to develop a more human-centered outlook on leadership. This benefits both individuals and organizations as a whole
By: Mae Cornes
