How do I lead a team held to metrics they can't reach?

You got promoted, and the reward is being squeezed from both sides — targets your team cannot realistically hit, and people you cannot bear to keep pushing. That in-between spot is one of the hardest places to stand. You are responsible for numbers you do not fully control and for humans who feel the pressure through you. You cannot change the targets today, but you can decide what kind of leader you are inside them. Be honest with your team without dumping your stress on them. Shield them from what you can, own the pressure that is yours to own, and fight upward for realistic goals using the data you see every day. Advocating for your people is part of the job, not a betrayal of it. With the numbers you cannot move, focus your team on what they can control — effort, quality, the next call done well — instead of a score they will only feel defeated by. And find your own support among other leads who know this squeeze. You are not failing because the math is hard. Lead the people well, push honestly on the targets, and let that be enough.