Five Effective Actions to Lead through Uncertainty

Several weeks ago, it was announced the division I work for will be acquired by another firm. I wrote several weeks ago about how maintaining realistic optimism throughout the process is key to moving forward for all involved. However, mindset alone is insufficient for a successful transition. Execution is needed to ensure our clients and employees are taken care of.

This is exceptionally challenging given the uncertainty and ambiguity our teams are experiencing. Execution requires definitive plans and engaged teams. But how can we as leaders provide the clarity needed to foster an effective working environment?

Taking these five actions below provide the best path to navigate through ambiguous and uncertain times.

1. Define Success

In ambiguous situations, decisions often need to be made with incomplete information. In spite of this, effective leadership rapidly moves to define what success will look like in a future state. This is the starting point to navigating through uncertainty.

Strong leaders employ strategic decision-making processes that involve gathering available data, consulting relevant stakeholders, and weighing risks. Emphasize calculated risks while being ready to adjust strategies based on evolving circumstances.

2. Communicate Known and Unknowns

Clear and transparent communication is paramount during uncertain times. Although all the desired information will not be available, leaders often have more concrete information than they realize. Ensuring the team is aware of what is known, what is unknown, and when to expect further definition brings as much clarity as possible into an opaque situation. Simple items such as timelines for future communications, project plans and governance structures allow employees to see that progress is being made.

Keeping the team informed about the situation, potential challenges, and any available information fosters trust and unity. Admit there are a lot of unanswered questions and that it’s ok to be uneasy about it. Embrace honesty, acknowledge uncertainties, and encourage open dialogue to ensure everyone is aligned and on the same page.

3. Engage with Your Team Personally

The best communication happens in a one-on-one setting. People will share more openly about their concerns and questions when asked directly in private. This feedback is invaluable for leaders to effectively gauge individual and team moral. Remember to continue to provide transparent communication and be prepared to answer difficult questions. Be optimistic about the future, but ensure your team members are able to freely express their thoughts, especially if they are not feeling the optimism as deeply as you are. Accept their thoughts without refuting them, as uncertainty can often come with downsides that should not be overlooked.

4. Provide Empathy and Support

During times of uncertainty, emotions can run high. While we want to emphasize the potential benefits of change, we also need to acknowledge the drawbacks and issues faced by our teams. Leaders need to demonstrate empathy and offer support to their team members. Be conscious of the challenges they might be facing, actively listen to their concerns, and provide avenues for support. It is also a time to recognize your peers and superiors are also going through challenging times. They are people too, so when you feel you have the capacity, reach out and provide empathy in all directions.

5. Cultivate Resilience

Building resilience within the team is crucial for navigating ambiguity. Encourage a growth mindset, emphasize learning from failures, and celebrate small wins. Fostering resilience helps individuals and the team as a whole bounce back stronger in the face of uncertainty. Methods to improve resilience focus on the personalization, permanence and pervasiveness of the perceived challenges according resilience theory. Ensuring the team views challenges as temporary and localized problems narrows the focus and allows team members to see problems as solvable.

Execution is Critical

Uncertain and ambiguous situations create incredibly difficult times for leaders. By defining success, communicating knowns and unknowns, connecting individually, providing empathy and cultivating resilience, leaders enable their teams to move forward through precarious times. Embracing these actions can foster an environment conducive to growth, innovation, and solidarity. Remember, while uncertainty may be daunting, it also presents opportunities for development and transformation when approached with the right mindset and actions.

I look forward to the uncertain opportunities that lie ahead of us.