Marcia's Leadership Q and As: Uncertain Times Are Normal

Q. Our managers feel more uncertainty about our business. How do we cope?

A. Stagnant or fear-based thinking will not add value to your business or to your customers. Every day, every year, every decade, life is full of uncertainty. But, it is also full of certainty and choices. 

Great leaders and organizations focus on what can we do today to make a difference to our employees and customers in the future. They address problems today and discover solutions. They have a vision for making a better life and develop innovations.

Globally there are new risks that can impact businesses, whether it’s climate change, new innovations, AI, or geopolitical competition. Worrying about any issues robs people of creative thinking, collaboration, and energy. 

Leaders identify what issues may impact their customers or communities. By contributing ideas and developing new services and products, a platform is also created that guides government and industry leaders to create policies, laws and guidelines to address issues. 

Interacting with customers and your communities, looking at the trends in your industry, analyzing relevant data and measures Over time (weeks, months, years) can help you be better informed about where you are. Assess the direction you want to go. Identify decisions to make together and put them into action. Study what you learn so you can make rapid adjustments. The more you learn and communicate, the better control you’ll have of your business.