Introduction
Being an executive or business owner of an SME means making constant decisions, many of them in solitude. This phenomenon, known as the “loneliness of the manager,” generates emotional strain, uncertainty, and at times, blocks that affect both the business and the person leading it.
I have experienced that loneliness up close and have accompanied many leaders who go through it. It is not a matter of lack of ability, but of the weight of carrying the responsibility of an entire company on one’s shoulders.
Why do managers feel alone?
Very often, executives cannot share their doubts either with employees or with partners. Employees expect certainty and direction, while partners demand results and stability. That pressure turns many decisions into a solitary process.
Furthermore, the manager’s position places them in an intermediate space: they must respond to investors, clients, and employees, balancing expectations that often contradict one another.
Consequences of managerial loneliness
Loneliness sustained over time generates stress, loss of motivation and, in some cases, impulsive decisions. I have met business owners with solid projects that became weakened simply because the leader had no support space to test ideas or release pressure.
It also affects personal life: the difficulty of disconnecting and the feeling of not being understood impact the executive’s family and emotional balance.
How to combat the manager’s loneliness
The key is not to face the path in isolation. There are different approaches that help ease this burden: mentoring, executive peer groups, specialized coaches, or even trusted consultants who act as independent advisors.
In my experience, having external support brings mental clarity, confidence in decision-making, and the peace of knowing that one does not have to carry everything alone.
Conclusion
The loneliness of the manager is not a sign of weakness, but a natural consequence of the leadership role. Recognizing it and seeking support is an act of responsibility that benefits both the executive and the company.
Call to Action
If you feel that you are carrying too much on your own, I can help you navigate that burden and regain confidence in your decisions. Let’s talk and find together the way to make your leadership stronger and more human.
