Steady Hands in Shaky Times: Mastering Uncertainty
Jun 01, 2025
I hate to start today’s blog out with a downer but UNCERTAINTY isn’t going away.
Many leaders today feel like we’re steering the ship through a fog with no compass. When our team is looking to us for direction, it can feel overwhelming to deliver clarity when we're not sure what's around the corner either.
Here's the good news: leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about offering enough certainty to help people move forward—even when the future is fuzzy.
Here's how the best leaders do it?
Control the Controllables
Advice from: *Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Covey emphasized the power of focusing on your Circle of Influence—the things you can control—rather than your Circle of Concern, which includes everything outside your control.
Try this:
List what’s in your control (your mindset, your priorities, your communication). Then, identify one action today to expand your influence, like checking in with a team member or clarifying expectations on a project.
Say this to your team:
“I don’t have all the answers yet, but here’s what I do know—and here’s what we can focus on today.”
Overcommunicate with Transparency
Advice from: *Brené Brown, author of Dare to Lead
Brown teaches that “clear is kind,” especially when things are unclear. In uncertain times, silence creates a vacuum—and people tend to fill it with fear. Overcommunication isn’t about talking more; it’s about offering consistent, candid updates.
Try this:
Set a weekly or even daily 10-minute “pulse” meeting to update your team—even if your update is “we’re still waiting for answers.” Make space for questions, even if you don’t have all the responses.
Say this to your team:
“I don’t have final decisions yet, but I’ll share what I know as soon as I do. You won’t be left in the dark.”
Anchor in Purpose
Advice from: *Simon Sinek, author of Start With Why
Sinek reminds us that in chaos, purpose is a powerful anchor. When circumstances change, your mission remains the North Star that guides action and decision-making.
Try this:
Revisit your organization’s “why” with your team. Ask: “How can we live this purpose in new ways right now?” Invite their input.
Say this to your team:
“Our mission hasn’t changed—even though our environment has. Let’s refocus on why we do what we do and how we can show up with that purpose today.”
Model Calm and Confidence
Advice from: *Amy C. Edmondson, author of The Fearless Organization
Psychological safety is key when uncertainty triggers fear. Edmondson’s research shows that when leaders stay grounded and approachable, teams are more resilient and adaptive.
Try this:
Practice “grounding” techniques before big meetings—deep breathing, a short walk, or a moment of quiet. Your calm will help settle the team’s nerves.
Say this to your team:
“I know this feels hard. It’s okay to feel uncertain. We’ll figure this out together.”
Create Micro-Wins
Advice from: *James Clear, author of Atomic Habits
When big goals feel far away, small wins can restore momentum. Clear explains that habits build identity. When your team racks up small victories, they start seeing themselves as capable again.
Try this:
Break big projects into tiny, manageable actions. Celebrate progress publicly—no matter how small.
Say this to your team:
“Let’s focus on just the next right step. Every small win gets us closer to the big picture.”
You don’t need to be perfect to lead in uncertain times. You just need to be present, real, and consistent. People don’t expect you to know everything. They just want to know you care, you’re paying attention, and you’ll walk through this with them.
That’s certainty they can count on.