How Leaders Can Move Past Personal Obstacles
The introspective techniques of IFS psychotherapy can help executives lead with confidence.
Katherine W. Isaacs and Richard C. SchwartzMay 11, 2026Reading Time: 18 min
Summary:
Professional growth can require leaders to acknowledge and release beliefs and behavioral patterns that have been interfering with good ...
Imagine you’re Gabrielle, a senior leader at a fast-growing tech company. Two of your top performers are also your biggest headaches, and they’re making everyone miserable — most of all, you.
One is technically brilliant but undermines colleagues’ ideas with sly sarcasm and strategic inaction. The other is a creative powerhouse but belittles junior teammates with open disdain. Managing these two “brilliant jerks” is hard enough on its own. But even worse is their bitter rivalry, which is poisoning the team. You’ve tried coaching, feedback, and even professional mediation, but nothing has worked. Morale is plummeting and so are your chances...
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