If you’ve been following the news recently, you’ve most likely seen the volatility of the global financial markets. Many of our 401ks have become 201ks. Much of the turbulence and volatility is due to uncertainty.
Uncertainty wreaks havoc. Uncertainty is the ultimate productivity killer (and mood killer). It’s the number one cause of workplace stress and anxiety too.
When people don’t know what’s coming next, whether it’s a market downturn, a restructuring, or even just a shift in priorities, they often freeze. Fear and ambiguity lead to distraction, disengagement, and second-guessing. Great leaders know that uncertainty is inevitable, and more importantly, they know how to lead through it. Leadership isn’t about waiting for stability, it’s about creating clarity and momentum even when the path ahead is unclear.
This week, let’s look at what leaders can do to keep their teams engaged, focused, and moving forward, no matter the circumstances.
Reinforce Clarity and Priorities
When uncertainty rises, leaders must double down on clarity. A lack of direction creates hesitation, and hesitation leads to stagnation. The best leaders make sure that their teams know exactly what to focus on, even when things are shifting.
One way to do this is by clearly defining Team Key Results (TKRs), the critical outcomes that matter most. In uncertain times, teams often feel overwhelmed by competing priorities. By simplifying the focus to just a few TKRs, you create a stabilizing force that keeps everyone aligned. If everything feels like a priority, nothing actually is. Your job as a leader is to cut through the noise and define what success looks like right now.
Communicate More
Uncertainty breeds assumptions, and assumptions are dangerous. Without clear communication, team members fill in the blanks with worst-case scenarios. Leaders who proactively communicate, early, often, and transparently, reduce anxiety and build trust.
3rd Leaders provide context, not just commands. Instead of simply assigning tasks they explain the why behind decisions. People are far more likely to stay engaged when they understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture. Even if you don’t have all the answers, being honest about what you do know (and what you don’t) creates a sense of psychological safety.
Create Stability Through Routine
When the external environment feels unpredictable, leaders can create internal stability through structured routines. Regular check-ins, weekly progress updates, and consistent team meetings act as anchors, providing a sense of normalcy. These aren’t just about status updates, they’re opportunities to reinforce priorities, celebrate wins, and address roadblocks.
Moreover, predictable cadence beats crisis mode. When teams operate in reactive mode, they burn out quickly. Establishing stable processes, whether it’s a structured weekly meeting rhythm or a standard way of handling shifting priorities, allow steams to focus on execution instead of constantly recalibrating.
Keep Momentum With Small Wins
In uncertain times, big, long-term goals can feel overwhelming or even impossible.That’s why effective leaders break work down into manageable pieces, creating opportunities for quick wins that build confidence and momentum. Progress (even small progress) creates a sense of control.
Ask your team: What’s the next best action we can take? When people feel powerless action is the antidote. By focusing on what can be accomplished today, this week, or this month, you keep energy high and prevent paralysis.
Guide With Resilience and Optimism
Your team takes its cues from you. If you show signs of stress, uncertainty, or doubt, they will mirror it. However, if you project confidence, resilience, and optimism, they will follow your lead. Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring challenges, it means acknowledging reality while keeping people focused on solutions. The best leaders create a sense of possibility, showing their teams that uncertainty isn’t a reason to stop moving but an opportunity to adapt and grow.
Leading Through Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a constant in leadership. The best leaders don’t wait for things to settle before taking action—they create clarity, structure, and focus even in the most challenging times. By reinforcing priorities, communicating transparently, maintaining stability, celebrating small wins, and leading with resilience, you can keep your team engaged and moving forward, no matter what’s happening around them.
Now, take a moment to reflect: Where does your team need the most clarity right now? The sooner you provide it, the sooner you can turn uncertainty into momentum.