Carey Lohrenz Releases New Data-Driven Research Revealing Why 72 Percent of Workers Won’t Take Risks—And What Leaders Must Do About It

Comprehensive study of over 1,000 business leaders exposes the growing disconnect between what organizations need and what teams actually experience.

Carey Lohrenz, renowned leadership expert, former U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat pilot, and WSJ bestselling author, today announced the release of the final report in her data-driven leadership research series The 2025 National Study of Why Focus On The Span Of Control.

The comprehensive study reveals a troubling leadership crisis: while organizations desperately need innovation and risk-taking to thrive, the vast majority of workers are retreating into a “playing it safe” behavior that stifles growth and performance.

A Leadership Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

The research exposes a fundamental workplace disconnect: the innovation gap stems not from a lack of capability, but from a lack of confidence. Key findings reveal:

• 72% of all working Americans would take more risks if they were more confident overall
• 54% report often feeling overwhelmed at work
• 50% don’t have a 30, 60, or 90-day work plan outlining their objectives and desired results
• 56% say they are now more willing to settle for “less than” what they wanted two years ago because it feels safe. For Gen Z (18–26), that number jumps to a staggering 71%.
• 56% feel micromanaged by their leaders, and 57% say their leadership team avoids transparency

The study reveals that while leaders expect teams to innovate and take calculated risks, many react to uncertainty with micromanagement, vague planning, and lack of transparency, creating the exact conditions that undermine the performance they’re seeking.

Part of a Comprehensive Leadership Framework

This study represents the culmination of Lohrenz’s extensive research into leadership effectiveness and high performance, building on her broader exploration of:

• Report #1: Navigating Uncertainty, Challenge, and Thriving Through Change: Strategies for building resilience and performing under pressure.
• Report #2: The Need for Fearless Leadership: Examining psychological safety, risk-taking, and tenacity as foundations of leadership strength.
• Report #3: Why Focus on Span of Control: An in-depth exploration of how confident, focused leadership enables execution amid overwhelm and disruption.

A Critical Call to Action

This research serves as both a wake-up call and a clear roadmap for action, particularly for engaging younger employees who will comprise the majority of the workforce in coming years.

“In today’s turbulent waters, leaders have a tremendous opportunity to learn how to overcome challenges instead of being overwhelmed by them,” said Lohrenz. “This research shows exactly where the gaps are, and more importantly, what high-performing leaders do differently. It’s about reclaiming your Span of Control: your mindset, your mission, and your movement forward.”

Access the Full Research Report

To download the full report, visit careylohrenz.com/span-of-control-report/.

About Carey Lohrenz

Carey Lohrenz is a former U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat fighter pilot, leadership expert, and author of two WSJ bestselling books, Fearless Leadership and Span of Control. She has translated her pressure-tested leadership and strategy experience to help business leaders thrive in competitive environments. Lohrenz has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, NPR, and in Vanity Fair, Inc., Time, and Huffington Post. She has delivered high-impact keynotes and programs to thousands of Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies worldwide, teaching individuals and teams how to navigate complexity, lead change, and deliver results when it matters most. A portion of the proceeds from Carey’s books supports veterans' charities to honor those who have sacrificed for our country.

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This research serves as both a wake-up call and a clear roadmap for action, particularly for engaging younger employees who will comprise the majority of the workforce in coming years.