Leadership Under Pressure: Ryan Crittenden Shares Strategies for Thriving in Fourth Quarter

As the fourth quarter approaches, leaders across industries are facing mounting pressure from economic uncertainty, employee burnout, and shifting work dynamics. The challenge: how to lead with clarity and connection when the stakes are highest.

Joining the conversation is Ryan Crittenden, a U.S. Army veteran, founder of XL Coaching, and author with a PhD in leadership. He says fall is a pivotal time for leaders to reset and refocus. “Fall is a great time, as really any time, to slow down, reflect, and make new goals,” Crittenden explained. “Quarter four is actually the beginning of quarter one of the following year, so it’s the right time to ensure your goals are aligned with your vision.”

One of the biggest concerns leaders face at year’s end is burnout. Crittenden believes the key to avoiding it is staying true to personal strengths. “When you’re aligned with your strengths, you avoid burnout,” he said. “Leading from within means being authentic and focusing on relationships, remembering that business is always about people first.”

He also sees value in discomfort, noting that differences in backgrounds and dynamics can ultimately strengthen teams. “When we embrace discomfort and learn from it, we build resilience,” he added.

Crittenden recommends leaders simplify chaos by breaking challenges into two categories: what can be controlled and what cannot. “When things are within our control, we can use our strengths and break them into small steps,” he explained. “If they’re outside of our control, we need to let them remain outside.”

For leaders looking to sharpen their skills, Crittenden says the focus should be on clarity, connection, and authenticity—qualities that help teams thrive even under pressure.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.