9 Leadership Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Leadership at the startup edge is exciting — but it comes with hidden traps. From burnout to decision fatigue, these nine pitfalls silently drain your energy, clarity, and impact. The good news? Each one has a simple practice to help you avoid it and lead with resilience, authenticity, and courage.

  • Pitfall: Running on adrenaline, poor sleep, constant tension.

    Avoid it: Build a 2-minute daily pause — slow exhale, shoulders drop, feet grounded. Small resets prevent big crashes.

  • Pitfall: “What if” loops, analysis paralysis.

    Avoid it: Use the Head–Heart–Gut Check: ask What do I think? What do I feel? What do I sense is right?

  • Pitfall: Snapping at your team, avoiding tough talks.

    Avoid it: Name it to tame it — when emotions rise, label the feeling out loud (even privately). It calms the nervous system.

  • Pitfall: Losing sight of “why” you’re doing this.

    Avoid it: Write your Top 3 values on a sticky note at your desk. Use them to check if today’s choices align.

  • Pitfall: Hiding from visibility, doubting your worth.

    Avoid it: Keep a Win Journal. Each week, note 3 successes (big or small). Embodied confidence grows with repetition.

  • Pitfall: Resisting change, clinging to old ways.

    Avoid it: Use the “Yes, and…” technique — when stress hits, reframe challenges as opportunities to add to, not block.

  • Pitfall: Micromanaging, guarded communication.

    Avoid it: Try check-ins — start meetings with “One word on how are you feeling right now.” Builds safety and trust in minutes.

  • Pitfall: Flatness, stalled innovation.

    Avoid it: Move your body — even a 5-minute walk or stretch boosts blood flow and sparks creativity.

  • Pitfall: Always “on,” fearing wrong moves.

    Avoid it: Before big moments, practice Box Breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4). Steady breath = steady presence.

Next Step

These 9 pitfalls are common — but they don’t have to define your leadership. With the right practices and support, you can lead with clarity, courage, and impact without burning out.

👉 Book a Call With Dagmara to explore how embodied coaching can support you.