Lessons · Molly Graham
articleprincipleWork Whiplash
19 June 2026People
Source excerpt
About LessonsNothing burns out great people faster than work whiplash — when priorities reverse, decisions get re-made, and goals shift underneath them. On why it happens, and what leaders can actually do about it.
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Apollo layer
What a founder can learn
Founder takeaway
Treat repeated priority reversals, reopened decisions, and shifting goals as a leadership problem—not simply the cost of moving fast. When direction must change, make the reason and new expectations explicit so your team can regain stability.
Why it matters
Work whiplash can burn out strong employees by making their effort feel disposable and leaving them unsure which commitments will hold.
Relevant guides
Put it to work
Review the past month: which priority, decision, or goal changed more than once? Ask what caused the churn and what clearer decision rule, owner, or communication step could prevent a repeat.
Private notes