Leading at any cost? Why the next generation is saying no

Leadership has always come with responsibility. But increasingly, it seems to come with sacrifice: long hours, blurred boundaries, and constant pressure. While many senior leaders accept that as part of the job, a growing number of people coming up through the ranks are quietly opting out. 

There’s a shift in mindset, especially among younger professionals. It’s not that they aren’t ambitious, and they clearly care about their impact. But they’re also asking themselves a simple, important question: “Is it worth it?” And often, the answer is no.  

This shift isn’t happening in isolation. It reflects a wider reassessment of what work should look and feel like, especially in the wake of a global pandemic. For many, the old definition of leadership success no longer feels aspirational. It feels exhausting. 

In this blog, we explore why the leadership pipeline is under pressure, what this cultural shift means for organisations, and how coaching can help create a healthier, more human approach to leadership. One that people might actually say yes to. 

What’s Changing? 

Research shows that 52% of Gen Z professionals are actively avoiding middle management roles - describing them as high-stress and low-reward. Instead of seeing leadership as a step up, many view it as something that could compromise their wellbeing, personal life, or values. 

This has been called “conscious un-bossing” — a trend where people intentionally step back from traditional leadership tracks. Not because they can’t lead, but because they’re not willing to accept the cost that so often comes with it. It’s a deliberate choice, and it’s values led. What’s emerging is a new kind of ambition. One that prioritises balance over burnout, clarity over chaos, and purpose over pressure. 

Why It Matters 

For businesses, this raises a challenge: how do we develop the next generation of leaders if fewer people want the job? 

If this mindset continues to grow, organisations may find themselves with fewer willing leaders and increased instability at the middle-management level. Therefore, it’s not just a talent issue; it’s a cultural one. 

But there’s also an opportunity here. It’s a chance to pause and rethink what leadership should look like, not just for the future, but for the people already holding these roles today. Because when leadership feels overwhelming, isolating or unsustainable, it doesn’t just put off emerging talent, it wears down experienced leaders too. 

Making Leadership More Sustainable 

The good news? Leadership doesn’t have to cost so much. By supporting leaders to grow in a more balanced, emotionally aware way, we can shift the role into something that’s not only more appealing, but more effective. 

That’s where coaching plays an important role. It gives leaders space to reflect, reset, and reconnect with what matters. And it helps organisations take a more human approach to developing leadership from the inside out. 

How Coaching Can Help 

Whether someone’s already in a senior role or just starting to consider one, coaching creates the conditions for healthy, sustainable leadership. It also supports the practical day-to-day demands of leading, too. From making decisions and problem-solving to managing people and staying resilient when dealing with current challenges.

Some of the key ways it supports leaders include: 

1. Developing self-awareness through executive coaching 

Many leaders are constantly in reactive mode — managing people, solving problems, making fast decisions. Coaching offers time and space to step back and reflect. It helps leaders understand how they operate, where they thrive, and where they may need support. 

2. Building emotional intelligence 

Emotional intelligence plays a vital role in how we lead — from navigating difficult conversations to making decisions and building trust across teams. Using specialist EI assessments, coaching helps leaders become more aware of how they process, interpret, and manage emotions; both their own and others’. 

3. Creating balance through therapeutic coaching 

Leadership roles can carry a lot of emotional weight. Therapeutic coaching offers a space to explore the impact of stress, shift unhelpful patterns, and build resilience. It recognises that leadership isn’t just strategic, it’s personal. 

Coaching isn’t about asking people to work harder or lead more. It’s about helping them lead in a way that reflects who they are and what they value. It supports better decision-making, stronger communication, and a more balanced approach to success. 

For example, coaching can help a newly promoted manager who’s navigating imposter syndrome while adapting to hybrid work. Or it might support a seasoned leader who’s been carrying silent stress for years and is starting to question what’s next. In both cases, coaching creates a safe, structured space to move forward with more clarity and confidence.

The Bigger Picture 

The way we define success is changing, and leadership needs to change with it. 

The pressure to be “always on” hasn’t only affected those early in their careers. Many senior leaders are also quietly burning out, stretched between constant expectations and very little emotional support. We need to acknowledge that — not ignore it. 

Today’s talent isn’t walking away from responsibility. They’re walking away from roles that feel too heavy, too disconnected, or too demanding. If we want people to step into leadership, we need to make space for a healthier version of it. That means supporting our current leaders to thrive, not just survive. And it means showing the next generation that leadership doesn’t have to come at any cost. 

So, what does leadership look like in your organisation? If you're ready to support your current and future leaders in a more meaningful, balanced way, book a free 15-minute discovery call with one of our coaches. We offer many solutions that help people lead with clarity, confidence, and care — without burning out along the way.