Mistakes Leaders Make Under Pressure

Pressure is an unavoidable part of leadership. Whether it’s a looming deadline, a high‑stakes negotiation, or an unexpected crisis, leaders are constantly asked to perform when the heat is on. But pressure doesn’t only test a leader’s capability - it exposes their thinking, habits, and resilience. When leaders lack mental toughness, pressure magnifies small cracks into costly mistakes.

Here are the most common mistakes leaders make under pressure, and how cultivating mental toughness turns those moments into opportunities for clarity, confidence, and courage.

1. Reacting Instead of Responding

Under pressure, many leaders fall into reaction mode: speaking too quickly, making impulsive decisions, or rushing into action simply to relieve discomfort. This reactive behaviour often stems from anxiety rather than insight.

Mentally tough leaders do the opposite - they pause. They create psychological space between stimulus and response. That pause isn’t passive; it’s a power move. In that moment of stillness, they regain control of their emotional state, re-engage rational thinking, and choose their actions intentionally. It’s this ability to stay composed that sets great leaders apart.

2. Narrowing Their Focus Too Much

Stress can create tunnel vision. Leaders may focus solely on the immediate fire, neglecting broader context, long‑term consequences, or the emotional climate of the team. This is how short‑sighted decisions get made.

Mental toughness helps leaders widen the lens even in intense moments. Instead of being consumed by the problem, they step back, assess multiple angles, and consider the bigger picture. They remain solution‑oriented rather than problem‑obsessed.

3. Withdrawing from Their Teams

A common mistake under pressure is retreating - shutting down communication, isolating, or trying to solve everything alone. This unintentionally signals fear, uncertainty, and lack of confidence to the team.

Mentally tough leaders understand that partnership, not isolation, wins under pressure. They communicate more, not less. They convey transparency, clarity, and confidence - even when the situation is uncertain. They stay connected, visible, and engaged, creating psychological safety when the team needs it most.

4. Becoming Emotionally Leaky

Under pressure, leaders sometimes let frustration, anxiety, or irritability spill over. Even subtle shifts in tone or body language can create ripple effects across a team.

Mental toughness trains leaders to regulate their emotional state, not suppress it. They recognise emotions without becoming ruled by them. They know that emotional contagion is real - and that stability is one of the greatest gifts they can offer during tough moments.

5. Doubting Themselves

Pressure often triggers self‑doubt. Leaders may question their competence, hesitate to make decisions, or attempt to please everyone. This erodes confidence and clarity - both critical during high‑pressure situations.

Mentally tough leaders rely on self-belief built through preparation, self-awareness, and resilience. They trust their judgement, anchor themselves in their values, and stay grounded in what they can control. This internal stability allows them to lead decisively, even when outcomes are uncertain.

6. Losing Sight of Their Purpose

When stress rises, leaders sometimes shift into survival mode and forget what truly matters. They may prioritise speed over impact, activity over effectiveness, or compliance over creativity.

Mental toughness realigns leaders with their mission. It keeps them connected to their purpose, their people, and their principles - the anchors that stop short-term pressure from derailing long-term vision.

Final Thoughts

Pressure doesn’t create strong leaders - it reveals them. The leaders who excel under pressure aren’t necessarily the smartest or the most experienced. They’re the ones with the mental toughness to stay clear‑headed, emotionally steady, and purpose-driven when it matters most.

If leaders can recognise these common mistakes early and build the mental toughness to overcome them, pressure stops being something to fear. It becomes a catalyst for stronger leadership, better decisions, and greater trust.

Penny Mallory - Mental Toughness Expert & Motivational Keynote Speaker
Helping teams and leaders perform under pressure and thrive in uncertainty.
Keynote length: 30–90 minutes

Format: Live or virtual

Topics: Mental Toughness, Resilience, Performance Psychology, Wellbeing, Mindset, Leadership, Personal Development, Motivation, Inspiration