Written by Cari Borden
Let’s face it, leadership in today’s world feels less like steering the ship and more like navigating through fog, fireworks, and a podcast you didn’t subscribe to. The obstacles? They’re not just external. They’re woven into the fabric of how we work, connect, and (often fail to) communicate. If you’re a leader trying to cut through the noise, you’re not alone. Here’s a blunt but practical guide to three of the biggest blockers and how to handle them:
🔌 1. Disconnection
“Leadership is influence, not isolation.”
In the age of remote work and Zoom fatigue, leaders are finding themselves connected yet completely disconnected. Emails replace empathy. Slack threads become shouting matches. And “check-ins” feel more like check-outs.
Navigate it:
- Schedule meaningful 1:1s, not just status updates.
- Ask real questions and actually listen.
- Make vulnerability a strength, not a liability.
🧱 2. Divides (Silos, Generational Gaps, and Turf Wars)
“We’re in this together” doesn’t work when half the team is on mute — emotionally and otherwise.
Divides in organizations aren’t just departmental — they’re emotional, generational, and sometimes downright territorial. Leaders must be the bridge-builders, not the bricklayers of these walls.
Navigate it:
- Encourage cross-functional projects.
- Honor different communication styles.
- Address conflict directly, silence breeds resentment.
🌀 3. Distractions (a.k.a. The Tyranny of the Urgent)
“Busy doesn’t mean effective.”
From Slack pings to inbox explosions and that 5th meeting that could’ve been a bullet point, distractions are the new productivity killers. Leaders today are being pulled in every direction, except forward.
Navigate it:
- Prioritize with ruthless clarity. Everything is not urgent.
- Model healthy boundaries (yes, you can log off).
- Focus on outcomes, not optics.
🎯 The Bottom Line
Being a leader today means learning to navigate static without losing your signal. Disconnection, divides, and distractions are real, but so is your ability to lead with clarity, connection, and conviction.
📣 If you’re feeling stuck, foggy, or simply burnt-out navigating today’s leadership chaos, let’s talk. I’ve coached leaders through it and created custom strategies using my SMART approach to bring clarity back to leadership.
👉 Book a session with me on Fiverr
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Lead With Your Heart 
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