When Identity and Purpose Feel Shaken, The Psychological Impact of Cognitive Warfare

During my 30+ years of working in corporate America I have witnessed styles of management, leadership and human interaction. Many immigrant executives I worked directly with expressed impatience with the cultural diversity of their staff. They would not allow their teams to express themselves in a manner that allowed for common ground of understanding. They were impatient which caused friction across departments and business lines.

Cognitive warfare introduces this kind of challenge - one that targets identity and emotional stability rather than logistics.

Many immigrant leaders don’t talk openly about identity strain—but it’s there. Cognitive warfare intensifies it by constantly questioning belonging, loyalty, and values. Over time, this pressure can quietly erode a sense of purpose.

From an SFBT lens, we don’t dwell on what’s broken. We ask:

“What does purpose look like when it’s working even briefly?”

Cognitive warfare often pulls attention outward toward fear, outrage, or comparison. Purpose, however, lives inward. When leaders feel disconnected, it’s often because external narratives have hijacked internal priorities.

Common signs include:

* Feeling busy but unfulfilled

* Reacting more than choosing

* Losing confidence in instincts

* Carrying emotional weight home to family

SFBT helps restore balance by re-centering identity around values and strengths, not external noise. Instead of asking, “Who am I supposed to be right now?” we ask:

* “What kind of leader, parent, or partner do I want to be even in uncertainty?”

This shift is especially powerful for immigrant families. When leaders regain clarity, children and partners feel it immediately. Purpose becomes visible again not as a grand vision, but as daily, values-based choices.

In coaching, we often identify small future-focused goals:

* One conversation handled differently

* One boundary placed around media consumption

* One moment of intentional presence at home or work

These are not minor wins they’re anchors.

Subtle invitation: Purpose doesn’t disappear under pressure. It waits for space. Coaching can help create that space intentionally.

Reflection Questions

1. When do you feel most aligned with your values?

2. What tells you that purpose is present even in small ways?

3. If you felt more grounded, how would your leadership show up differently?


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