"Overwhelmed"

April 28, 2025

W. Audie Sherrod, Author of Challenge Accepted

Experts believe a great Manager Crash is coming. Is your company ready for it? Managers are the backbone of employee engagement and productivity.  Yet according to our (Wiley) latest research, 47% of them are reporting alarming levels of stress–affecting their performance, wellbeing, and resilience. And it’s only getting worse. – Kouzes & Posner, Leadership Unlocked, Wiley

If you are among the 47% of leaders feeling stressed, you may possess the leadership 20x factor and have 20x potential. In the context of P/E (Price-to-Earnings), when a P/E ratio is 20x (or 20), it means investors are willing to pay $20 for every $1 of earnings.  Diamonds are formed under pressure as well as leaders.  Feeling overwhelmed as a leader is a common experience, often stemming from increased responsibilities and external pressure.  Unfortunately, that overwhelmed, stressed feeling is a normal part of the leadership challenge–but wait–is it all bad?  The Leadership Challenge is in the transforming of a liability (stress) into an asset on your balance sheet.  Stress can be triggered by external pressures, lack of clarity, burnout, or the weight of decision making, but harnessed and managed correctly, it can bolster performance, inspire dynamic culture, and strengthen organizational engagement.

Stress may be perceived as a negative experience signaling a need to re-evaluate priorities, call in support, or be an early marker of success under arduous conditions.  In common terminology, overwhelm and stress can be a sign that you, or your mission, is carrying extra weight or undue burden alerting you to a need for a review and re-allocation of resources.  These valid feelings may also be a signal to delegate or empower other leaders on your team.  Emotional Intelligence tells us this may also be a natural reaction to positive changes such as the stress of a new business venture.  Often excitement and fear proceed a new personal adventure or a larger-than-life business venture, both are positive signs of success and change.  It may also be an opportunity for compassion or a catalyst for growth and learning.  Each of these are normal human emotions.  Everyone experiences stress at various points in their lives and overwhelm is a natural response to that stress and change.  Whether you turn your overwhelm and stress into the 20x factor or simply wish to move from survive to thrive, don’t be afraid to seek help from others.  Friends and professionals can help you if you are struggling to manage stress.  Many companies, churches, and non-profits have programs specifically designed to assist you.

Hiring and recruiting leaders who thrive under pressure is beneficial because possessing a proven track record of handling unexpected challenges, meeting tight deadlines, and effectively managing stress leads to performance, project, and mission success. Indeed, these are the type of leaders who possess the 20x potential.  These leaders charge when others are in retreat. Leaders who possess the 20x potential often demonstrated stronger communication, teamwork, collaboration, organizational and enhanced problem-solving skills, leading to improved project outcomes.

Famously, U.S. Navy Seals along with many other tactical operators practice the art of conquering fear and anxiety and possess the warrior mindset, a mental state characterized by unwavering commitment, resilience, and a willingness to face danger with unwavering resolve.  Stress means resistance or pressure and we need stress to grow mentally as humans, however unmanaged prolonged stress can erode performance and wellbeing. 

Tactical Operators have no option to politely decline and say “no thanks” to a challenge.

– David K. Robertson, Commander Special Operations Group, U.S. Marshals Service (Ret.) in Challenge Accepted 

I know from my personal experience as an emergency first responder and tactical operations command leader, the power of overwhelm and stress, but I also know the power than can be unleashed when lives are at stake, duty calls, and fear and stress are harnessed to create the 20x potential and a warrior mindset.

If he says “Go” then go.  Audie can be a royal pain Monday through Friday because he is always thinking, following up on the follow-ups.  But when the chips are down and lives are on the line, you will know where to find him--Out Front And you will be glad he is there.

– Dennis W. Stamper, US DOJ BOP, Warden (Ret.) and ADOC (Deputy Commissioner of Operations 2017-2021) in Challenge Accepted

If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed it’s ok, it’s normal. Take time to ask for help and find out why.  Employ stress reduction techniques such as exercise and diet management, focusing first on what is mission critical, the threat in front of you, and establish strong systems of internal control in your life and your organization.  As a theme, examine your surroundings and search out ways to increase the control of your circumstances.  If you have a proven record of handling stress, feel you have 20x potential and a desire to develop the warrior mindset, your worth to a team, to a mission, and to others is immense, 20x to 1 Immense. You are in demand.  Find ways to contribute to a high-performing team and to serve others on your path. 

Attached to this article are three Summit 27 tools for your use:

1.     The Leadership Decision Tree

2.     Five Questions to ask in Crisis Decision Making

3.     The Five Primary Steps of the S-27 Clear Circle

You may also read more about leadership in Challenge Accepted available on our website at www.summittwentyseven.com/resources.

Wm. “Audie” Sherrod is a nomadic adventurer & Author of “Challenge Accepted - What You Do Matters and Who You Are Matters Even More,” CEO at Summit 27, and a former member of the United States Senior Executive Service (SES).  www.summittwentyseven.com