Leading Through Uncertainty: How Leaders Can Support Their Teams and Themselves
When I wrote “Navigating the Gray: How Leaders Make the Best Decision When Faced with Ambiguity,” I discussed the ways to cut through the ambiguity in order to make a decision: 1). Embrace uncertainty. 2). Start small. 3). Remain calm and 4). Make it a “we” problem.
Navigating the challenges so far in 2025 has tested this strategy and even the most resilient leaders. Whether dealing with organizational shifts due to local or broader turbulence, leaders play a critical role in fostering courage and calm.
So how do you lead others through the uncertainty? And how do you mentally prepare yourself when you’re struggling too? Here are some strategies to help you stay focused when uncertainty feels overwhelming:
How to Help Others When They Are Struggling
Supporting others during uncertain times means creating a space where they feel seen and empowered to move forward. Here’s how to do that:
Acknowledge Their Struggles: Validation is key. A simple, “I hear you, and it makes sense that you feel this way” can go a long way.
Model Vulnerability: Being honest about your own challenges (in a way that doesn’t burden others) can help normalize the experience of uncertainty. Share how you plan to work through obstacles and invite others to help you stay positive.
Provide Clarity: People feel safer when they know what to expect. Whether changes are happening locally or nationally, it is natural for your team to wonder “How will this affect me?” Even if you don’t have all the answers, share what you do know and communicate openly about changes.
Focus on Small Wins: When the future is murky, small achievements build momentum. Encourage your team to identify small, achievable wins (especially ones that are not reliant on current conditions) and celebrate even minor progress. Ask, “What’s one thing we can do today to move forward?”
Mentally Preparing Yourself When You Are Also Struggling
Even leaders need time to process their own worries before they can offer genuine support to others. Here’s how to stay grounded:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel uncertainty or fear. Name your emotions, understand their source, and focus on what you can control to reduce tension.
Shift Focus from Control to Influence: Our feelings can make us hyper-focused on what’s beyond our control. Redirect that energy toward what you can control instead. Even small changes make progress and can move you closer to your goal.
Find a Centering Practice: When you feel yourself spiraling, find something that helps you return to a more grounded state. Actions like breathing, journaling, meditation, or exercise can help clear your mind and refocus.
Seek Your Own Support: You do not have to go it alone. Reach out to a mental health professional, peers, mentors, family or friends. Seeking help models healthy behavior for your team.
Reframe the Situation: Ask yourself, “What is the opportunity here?” Adopting a learning mindset can transform adversity into a chance for growth.
REFRAMING EXAMPLES:
To help reframe a situation, using metaphors can be a power tool to remind us this is a temporary moment in a long-term plan.
Here are five metaphors that may help you reframe the path through uncertainty:
The Lighthouse in the Storm: You may not control the storm, but you can find your guiding light—your values, purpose, or mission—that keeps you moving forward.
“When the waves are high, let your lighthouse guide you.”
The Marathon, Not a Sprint: Remind yourself and others to pace energy and focus on endurance rather than quick fixes.
“Endurance wins the race, not bursts of energy.”
The Jazz Ensemble: Like jazz musicians, you may have already have a constructed song, but can also thrive by improvising. So listen to each other and adapt as the situation changes.
“Trust the rhythm, but be ready to riff.”
The Compass Over the Map: Maps show exact paths but a compass helps you move in the right direction even when the path isn’t clear or the journey is difficult.
“North is still North—no matter how rough the terrain.”
The Mountain Ascent: Climbing a mountain requires pauses, recalibrations, and persistence. The summit may be out of sight, but each step is progress.
“You can’t always see the top, but trust the path beneath your feet.”
BOTTOM LINE:
Bravery in uncertain times doesn’t mean eliminating fear—it means moving forward despite it. By preparing yourself, showing up for others, and using metaphors to reframe challenges, leaders can cultivate courage and resilience across their teams. In doing so, you’ll not only weather the uncertainty—you’ll emerge stronger together.
I wish all of you good luck in navigating these uncertain times. If I can be a resource to you, please reach out!