Distortion, Distraction, and Disaster: The Silent Energy Drain Every Leader Must Face

Distortion Is the Silent Energy Drain Leaders Overlook

If you’ve ever walked into a fun-house and looked into those distorted mirrors, you know how strange it feels. You see a version of yourself, but it’s twisted — too tall, too wide, too small.

That’s what distortion does to a leader.

It twists the truth. And when a leader can’t see the truth clearly, their energy is sapped, their focus is hijacked, and their leadership suffers.

One of the worst conditions a leader can face is living under distortion — whether self-imposed, or forced upon them by the people closest to them.

I worked with a client who had been lying to himself for most of his life. He discovered his wife, who managed the books, was siphoning and gaslighting him. His business partner? Embezzling behind his back. He thought he was failing. He thought all his hard work meant nothing.

That was the distortion. That was the lie.

And when you can’t confront a lie, you get sucked into the illusion and confusion. It’s a black hole for leadership energy.

Distortion → Distraction → Disaster

Distortion doesn’t stay hidden. Left unchecked, it spirals:

• Distortion clouds your perception of reality.

• Distraction pulls you into emotional drama, illusions, and false narratives.

• Disaster follows — in business results, relationships, or health.

This sequence drains leaders for years — sometimes decades. And the worst part? They don’t see it happening until it’s too late.

TRUTH Is a Leader’s First Habit

In my book Lead Stronger Longer, I share that the very first leadership habit is Truth.

Leaders must first tell the truth internally — with themselves. If you’re lying to yourself, rationalizing dysfunction, or refusing to face reality, you are leading under distortion.

This is why I teach leaders at Powerhouse Leaders to build vigilance around truth. It is the foundation of resilience, clarity, and sustainable energy.

My P.I.L.O.T. Your Way Method

And the antidote to distortion is observation. A leader must stay curious, interested, separate emotions become a detective even, and practice the bird’s-eye view.

Here's is what I call the P.I.L.O.T. Your Way Method:

• Practicing Presence

• Intention

• Lighten Up

• Observe

• Tools

When leaders cultivate the skill to fully Observe, they can notice distortion without getting ruled by it. Emotions will come. Thoughts will come. But when you are not ruled by them — or by anyone else’s illusions — you remain strong, clear, and aligned. (By the way, P.I.L.O.T. Your Way Through Stress is my #1 most requested keynote and would love bring this to your group or organization)

A Serious Call for Today’s Leaders

For over 30 years — whether working with A-list celebrities, politicians, or executives — I’ve seen what happens when distortion runs unchecked. It destroys.

It’s time to stop the spiral. It has to stop with you.

Because you are meant to lead — not in distortion, distraction, or denial — but in truth.

I say power the leaders who power the business. That's you, that's your team.

If you want help to identify the distortions draining your energy? Start with your complimentary Executive Energy Strategy Session today. Book here: