How to...lead in times of uncertainty
The world is in the upside down place, so what can you do?
You’re not imagining it. The headlines are relentless, the workplace is shifting beneath your feet, and uncertainty seems like the only constant. If you’re feeling unsettled, your team is too. 2025 is shaping up to be a doozy of a year - for all the wrong reasons.
As a leader, you don’t have all the answers. No one does. But your job isn’t to predict the future (thankfully!)
It’s to lead people through it. Without losing yourself in the process.
But how do you do that when the ground keeps moving beneath your feet?
I’m thinking, talking and coaching a lot on this topic at the moment. And it’s understandably difficult for many of the people I’m exploring this with. Let’s face it, leadership is hard enough. But we’re now in a different place.
Mistrust is high - people no longer look to their employers, politicians, or even the news - for sources of information and inspiration they can trust. I’ve talked before about the findings of the Edelman Trust Barometer and next week, I’ll be going deeper on what I call the “high trust” behaviours that every leader needs to embody now.
Today I want to talk about the really practical actions you can take if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of leadership right now (totally understandable IMHO)
Let me know if this resonates with you and what else you’d like to know or learn about leadership in these uncertain times.
1. Control the Controllables
When chaos is swirling, your energy is best spent on what you can control: your clarity, your presence, and your actions. Keep communication frequent and transparent. Even if you don’t have all the answers, let people know what you do know. Uncertainty breeds fear, but silence makes it worse.
Coaching Question: What aspects of your leadership are within your direct control right now?
Practical Action: Identify three things within your control, whether it’s setting clearer priorities, improving communication, or managing your own mindset and commit to taking action on one today.