How to Manage Those In Your Team Who Are Not So Mentally Tough

How to Manage Those In Your Team Who Are Not So Mentally Tough

Every team has them. The people who struggle with stress and pressure. The ones who don’t cope so well when the heat is on. While some of the team will thrive under pressure, the mentally sensitive members can wobble, withdraw, or become overwhelmed.

As a leader, this can feel frustrating. You want everyone to be bold, focused, and energised. But the reality is, not everyone has the mental toughness to thrive in demanding environments.

So, what do you do?

1. Stop expecting everyone to be like you

If you’re naturally resilient, driven, focused and mentally tough, it’s easy to think “why can’t they just get on with it?”. But mental sensitivity isn’t weakness, it’s a personality trait. Some people are more sensitive to stress and pressure than others. Instead of expecting them to mirror you, start by recognising and accepting that they see the world differently.

2. Play to their strengths

Mentally sensitive people often have valuable qualities that tougher personalities overlook. They might be more empathetic, detail-oriented, or creative. They might be the glue holding the team together. If you only measure them by how they handle pressure, you miss the value they bring in other ways.

3. Provide clarity

Ambiguity is kryptonite for sensitive team members. Vague instructions or constantly shifting priorities will often cause unnecessary stress. Be clear about expectations, timelines, and outcomes. Certainty helps them stay grounded.

4. Teach coping skills, don’t lower the bar

The goal isn’t to wrap them in cotton wool. It’s to help them develop tools to manage pressure and stress better. Encourage habits that build resilience - like focusing on what they can control, breaking tasks down, or reframing setbacks as learning.

5. Balance the team

Every strong team is a mix of personalities. You need the bold, decisive risk-takers. But you also need the thoughtful, cautious ones. A leader’s job isn’t to mould everyone into the same shape - it’s to create an environment where different strengths combine to deliver results.

Bottom line is that not everyone on your team will be mentally tough. And that’s okay. Your role as a leader isn’t to wish they were different - it’s to manage them in a way that brings out their best while still pushing them to grow.

Because resilience isn’t fixed. With the right support, those who once struggled under pressure can surprise you - and themselves - with what they’re capable of.

Penny Mallory is an expert on Mental Toughness and is a Motivational Keynote Speaker on Mental Toughness