Marcia's Leadership Q and As: Leaders Navigate Uncertainty

Q. How can my team leaders navigate these chaotic, uncertain times?

A. Many changes are being thrust on our nation and organizations as we’ve known them. Many decisions are currently outside of our control. 

So how do leaders lead and navigate through these times? Looking back in history helps navigate forward. The strongest leaders who made a difference were the ones who looked at the landscape and had deep conversations with colleagues about the potential impact if certain decisions impacted them. 

Leaders have a vision, communicate it with clarity, gather their people, communicate more and often, and can pivot. They communicate relentlessly so their people trust them. The best leaders are open to two-way communication. If communication is only one-way and dictatorial, fear rapidly increases, people become paralyzed and cannot make rational decisions. 

This is worth reiterating. Leaders share their vision, communicate it repeatedly so it is clear, and share that they will pivot and communicate often and effectively. To actively assess and sense what is occurring, then respond to changes that are occurring, is essential for leaders to build the trust they need to move everyone forward together. 

Vision, clear communication, swift actions, and the ability to pivot and adapt is tough leadership. But people are resilient if they can trust their leader. Together they know they can succeed.