4 Things to Keep in Mind During Uncertain Times

As a leader, you may be susceptible to the political, emotional and spiritual battles that occur outside of your domain. In addition, the unpredictably of economic shifts often fuel anxiety. All these obstacles could affect how you run your organization. What should you do when goals feel further away, or when you question whether long-proven strategies still resonate. What if all you’ve worked for falls apart? Regardless of where you find yourself, you can remain a resilient, resourceful and trusted leader. It begins with preparation. 

Embrace Uncertainty  

Discomfort has its seasons—and so do successes.  In times of uncertainty, it’s important to find calm. Using the concept of “survive and advance,” prioritize immediate needs and focus on achieving incremental gains. In these moments, you will have the space to mourn what wasn’t, build what is to come and celebrate the wins made so far. Revisit your core values and purpose. It’s during this reflection that your resilience strengthens.

Transparency Builds Trust

You can’t go wrong with effective communication. When situations feel chaotic, it’s helpful to filter outside noise—but don’t sit in silence. Provide your team with regular updates, even if resolutions haven’t materialized yet. Share expected timelines and deadlines in a reasonable time and seek feedback on potential concerns.

Most importantly, follow through on commitments. If plans happen to change, be honest about it. Transparency shows strength, confidence and credibility.

Be Human First  

While communicating expectations, remember to balance direction with vulnerability and humility. Structure is important, but so is empathy. Being decisive is important, but being human requires you to look beyond data, reports and news. Pay attention to how people around you are feeling. If you are stressed, chances are your employees, partners and stakeholders may be too.

You Don’t Have to Have all the Answers

Seeking perfection or going at it alone could lead to paralysis, worsening circumstances.

A strong leader isn’t afraid to say, “I don’t know.” Moments of uncertainty provide an opportunity to ask questions and lean on team members, public relations experts and legal advisors. Tapping into others’ strengths allows you to lead with confidence.  Furthermore, empowering others’ voices is a win-win — it relieves some of the angst you’re feeling, while still moving toward goals.

View unstable seasons as moments to sharpen who you are becoming. When you choose clarity over ambiguity, empathy over indifference and collaboration over isolation, you guide your organization toward its purpose. While you’re unable to control the terrain or timing, you can push through it.

You can be certain that uncertainty will come again. But each time you face it with intention, empathy and honesty, you grow more confident as a leader.  It’s impossible to control every storm, but you can guide yourself and your organization through it with purpose. The measure of leadership isn’t about avoiding crises, it’s how you respond, adapt and shape what comes next.

Coshandra Dillard is a freelance writer with Spotlight PR LLC. Be sure to check out other blogs for regular communications updates.