Leading in Times of Uncertainty

Today we'll be covering the evolving topic of Leadership during uncertain times; the qualities and competencies that heighten our awareness and help others cope, and see success during challenging times. I'm constantly reminded that life is full of twist and turns, with another curveball ready to spring at a moment's notice. It's the people that surround you (leaders), who embody the decision-making skills and coping mechanisms that create a safe space, and help you arrive at a better place than where you started. Now, let's dig in and explore a few areas to focus on when making leadership decisions during turbulent times. 

1. Inform (Truthfully)
   
   As those around us struggle to make sense of a new situation, they are particularly hungry for information and communication. For this reason, you may find that they are most open to communication efforts delivered at the onset. Seizing early opportunities to share available information can have a greater impact than waiting to deliver “perfect” news later on. For obvious reasons, honesty and transparency is critical in such communications. Leaders must candidly acknowledge the downsides and the unknowns, and be willing to show humility in not having all the answers; "I don't know, but we'll figure it out together," is still an honest answer. This will create credibility when painting a picture of the organization’s strengths and encouraging people to focus on the solid fundamentals. Most importantly, it is the leader’s job to help people make sense of changing conditions, anticipate and outline the likely scenarios ahead, and have their own plans about how to best deal with these situations.
   

2. Connect
   
   It is important to generate a feeling of trust with your employees, which will not happen if your communications appear manufactured or artificial. People need to feel a highly personal presence and connection. Leaders who reach out to their employees and foster warmth and support will be seen as a credible source of reassurance and information. It's ok to add your own personal thoughts and acknowledge that you, too, are affected by the uncertainty. Admitting this is not a sign of weakness and instead signals complete transparency that you are in touch with your own feelings and with others as fellow human beings. Everyone, including senior executives, may need to seek out support—from friends, family members, mentors, and counselors. As long as you remain grounded in the work you do (and why) and the people that you associate with, your genuine approach is what will be remembered. 
   

3. Guide
   During periods of uncertainty, most people want strong leaders who are comfortable giving a direction forward. However, premature and inconsiderate communication such as, “put this behind us” and “get back to work” will probably be counterproductive. Talking about the long-term visions and strategies of the company will not be effective when others are bracing for further bad news, or emotionally recovering from previous disclosures. You may find it beneficial to start with providing clear guidance on "business-critical" priorities that everyone can rally around and collaborate on. As those concerns are being addressed, invite people to think of the unique skills and qualities that can contribute to the end goal(s). How can they leverage those and make a difference to others who are dealing with the same issues? Allowing people to step up and contribute, and "self-guide", after pointing them in the desired direction, will have more favorable outcomes. 
   

4. Unite 
   Turbulent times remind us of the importance of human community and connection. People have the desire (and value) rallying behind the things that bind them together. Leaders can up-level their employee engagement by reinforcing what makes them a unique group. You may find that actively dealing with a difficult situation will actually promote a sense of togetherness and resilience as coworkers. The leader who taps into aspects of who people are and how they function sends a strong message when dealing with uncertainty: “What we’re doing now validates what we’ve always done; we can adapt to change and still be true to who we are.” When leaders tap into the real potential of "togetherness", the results are exponential. 

Remember, leadership and management are two very different things. Leaders need to show the way forward and instill a sense of energy and inspiration among their team(s). Make sure to stay visibly involved, ensure visions are translated into concrete and sensible action plans, and that ongoing programs/ideas are actively pursued and followed through.

These 4 focus areas (Inform, Connect, Guide, Unite) will help you build lasting work relationships, cultivate a cadence of transparency and humbleness, and create a team environment that breeds a truly rewarding culture. We are all human and all problem-solve differently, so invite your team today to brainstorm solutions, harness the power of collaboration, and move forward as a cohesive into the unknown.