How to Lead in Times of Uncertainty
“People will choose unhappiness over uncertainty,” stated Timothy Ferriss in summing up several significant studies on human behavior.
Uncertainty causes nervous systems to dysregulate. Survival instincts kick in, narrowing focus and decreasing teams’ capacity to be creative and innovative problem solvers - ironically when we need it most.
“What if” rumors begin to circulate and ramp up gossip, drama and draining distraction. Within days—sometimes hours—the workplace culture can shift from confidence to chaos. Productivity plummets along with morale.
As a leader, how can you support your team when uncertainty deeply impacts them?
Acknowledge the Discomfort & Fear
It’s crucial to address the current state of uncertainty - name it, get it up on the table in broad daylight, and discuss it openly with the whole team. Don’t sugarcoat it - call a spade a spade. Acknowledging fear and discomfort lets your team know that you “get it.” This honesty fosters foundational reassurance in knowing we’re all working from the same reality and we’re in this together. This is a shared experience, a shared discomfort and no one has to face this alone. Collectively facing this uncertainty creates a grounding sense of unity and fortitude to navigate the challenges ahead.
Stabilize Your Nervous System
As we often say, “Your team is a reflection of you.” One of the most important, yet often overlooked, responsibilities of a leader is to regulate their own nervous system. Emotions are contagious, and your response to uncertainty sets the tone for your team. If you’re freaking out, revving up, snowballing, catastrophizing, so will your team. If your words convey confidence but your energy signals fear, they will sense the disconnect and panic. On the other hand if you show up with genuine clarity, calmness and confidence, you become a grounding force for your team.
Wondering how to stabilize your nervous system? There are various breathing exercises, somatic movements, nutritional choices, and mindfulness practices that can help. If you’re interested in a complimentary list of effective practices that support nervous system regulation for both you and your team just email us at info@choosepeople.com and we’ll send you the goods.
Anchor a Consistent Message
Mixed messages breed instability and fear. Instead create an empowering team narrative through consistent daily and weekly communication. Reinforce what IS known and provide a reliable message your team can return to for reassurance. For example, you might remind the team, “We’re all in this together and this is not our first rodeo. We’re resilient and resourceful, and will take things day by day.” Highlight past successes in navigating uncertainty, emphasize the strengths of your team, and reinforce the value of their contributions. This kind of messaging strengthens collective confidence and resilience.
Bring Clear Actionable Focus
Clarity in times of uncertainty is invaluable. Provide short-term, bite-sized, actionable next steps that align with your core commitments. Rather than rigidly adhering to plans made before the uncertainty arose, take a step back, reassess, and adjust.
Ask yourself and your team: Given what we know now, what matters most at this moment? What small, meaningful actions can we take today that will create a positive impact tomorrow? Having a clear, adaptable strategy helps maintain momentum and keeps your team focused on progress rather than fear.
In uncertain times, effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about providing stability, clarity, and confidence. Acknowledge the discomfort, regulate your own nervous system, communicate a consistent and empowering message, and guide your team with clear, actionable focus.
By embodying steadiness in the face of uncertainty, you not only help your team navigate challenges but also cultivate a culture of resilience, trust, and adaptability—qualities that will serve your organization well beyond the current moment.
Keep calm and carry on.
