Are You (Unknowingly) Creating Learned Helplessness?

Ever felt like no matter what you do, nothing changes? That’s learned helplessness—when repeated setbacks make us stop trying, even when opportunities exist.

But here’s the part we don’t talk about enough… As leaders, parents, and mentors, we might be reinforcing this in others.

🔹 Micromanaging employees? They’ll stop making decisions.

🔹 Rescuing children too soon? They’ll assume they can’t solve problems.

🔹 Shutting down new ideas? People will stop sharing them.

We don’t mean to do it. Often, we think we’re helping—protecting, guiding, avoiding failure. But in reality, we’re sending the message: “You can’t handle this.”

So, how do we shift from accidental helplessness to empowerment?

✅ Encourage effort, not just results.

✅ Give people real ownership (and space to fail).

✅ Reframe setbacks as lessons, not proof of inability.

The difference between a disengaged team and an accountable one?

Between a hesitant child and a confident problem-solver?

It’s not talent. It’s whether they believe their actions make a difference.

Let’s talk about it. In this podcast video, we touch on how leaders and parents can either develop resilience or reinforce helplessness—often without realising it.

In the blog, we dive deeper into this subject and look it from parents and life, leaders and business.

🎙️ Watch below 👇

🔗 Read the full blog here: https://salesacademy.uk.com/are-you-unknowingly-creating-learned-helplessness/

Have you seen learned helplessness play out in business or parenting? Let’s discuss. 👇

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