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Writer's pictureHamish Park

Strategies for Leading Through Change and Uncertainty 

Change is a given, but that doesn’t make it any easier to manage. Whether it’s a shift in market conditions, new technology, or a global crisis, leaders are frequently required to navigate their teams through some pretty rough waters. It can feel overwhelming, but the right strategies can make all the difference.

 

Here, we’re going to unpack some practical advice for leading your team through periods of change and uncertainty. Ultimately, it’s not about having all the answers—it’s about building resilience, communicating openly, and staying adaptable.

 

1. Be flexible and embrace agility

 

When uncertainty strikes, it can be tempting to stick with what you know. But rigid approaches often fall short when things are changing quickly. That’s where agility comes in—think of it as your ability to bend without breaking.

 

Being agile doesn’t mean throwing out your strategic goals; it just means staying open to adjusting how you get there. Encourage your team to collaborate across departments, share ideas, and experiment with new approaches. You don’t need to have every detail worked out—just the flexibility to pivot when needed. This keeps your team moving forward, even when the path ahead isn’t completely clear.

 

For example, businesses that successfully navigated supply chain disruptions during recent global events were those that adapted quickly, explored new suppliers, and adjusted their processes on the fly. Their willingness to try something new helped them stay competitive.

 

2. Understand the change curve

 

When leading through uncertainty, it helps to understand the emotional rollercoaster your team might be on. Enter the Change Curve, based on the Kübler-Ross model (originally developed for understanding the processing of grief). It’s a handy way of recognising the stages people typically go through when faced with significant change.

 

Here’s a quick look at the stages:

 

  •  Shock and Denial: At first, people may struggle to accept that change is happening. They might downplay the need for it or stick their heads in the sand, hoping things go back to normal.

  • Anger and Resistance: Once reality sets in, frustration and resistance often follow. People can feel stressed, worried about their roles, or just annoyed that they have to change the way they’ve always done things.

  • Experiment: As time goes on, your team may begin exploring the new reality. While they’re still getting used to it, they’ll start looking for ways to adapt and get back to being productive.

  • Decision and Integration: Finally, once the dust settles, people accept the reality of the new way of working and focus on how they can succeed in this new environment – either grudgingly or enthusiastically.

 

As a leader, your job is to guide your team through these stages with empathy and patience. Don’t expect everyone to move at the same pace, but be aware of where they are on the curve and offer support accordingly. Don’t forget sometimes people slide back and forth along the change curve, as progress is not always smooth.

 

3. Communicate often - and be honest

 

When things feel uncertain, a lack of communication can make it much worse. Silence often leads to speculation, rumours, and a lot of unnecessary stress. That’s why clear, honest, and frequent communication is essential.

 

Even if you don’t have all the answers (which is perfectly normal!), keeping your team in the loop can help ease anxiety. Share what you do know, explain the steps you’re taking to address any unknowns, and make sure you’re available for questions. Whether it’s through team meetings, one-on-ones, or company-wide updates, transparency goes a long way in building trust and keeping your team engaged.

 

Keep in mind that communication isn’t just about talking - it’s also about listening. Give your team a chance to voice their concerns or share ideas. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to stay engaged and work together to find solutions.

 

4. Cultivate a culture of resilience

 

Change can be draining, especially when it feels never-ending. That’s why resilience is such an important quality to build within your team. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from challenges - it’s about learning, growing, and coming out stronger on the other side.

 

Start by promoting a growth mindset. Encourage your team to see challenges as opportunities for development, rather than threats. Provide support when things get tough, whether it’s through mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, or just a listening ear. Leading with empathy and understanding is key to fostering a resilient team.

 

And don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way. Acknowledging progress - no matter how minor - can be a big motivator and help your team stay positive during challenging times.

 

5. Encourage Innovation and Fresh Ideas

 

When uncertainty strikes, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “just keeping things going.” But some of the best ideas are born in times of crisis! Rather than doubling down on old ways of doing things, use this as an opportunity to encourage creative problem-solving and fresh thinking within your team.

 

One lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic was that innovative companies saw their market capitalisation outperform the rest of the market, despite the challenges and disruption of the crisis.

 

As a leader, if you can create a safe space where people feel comfortable putting forward new ideas without the fear of being shot down, you’ve made great progress. Often, the most innovative solutions come from unexpected places. If you can foster an environment of psychological safety, where employees are encouraged to take calculated risks, you’ll find that innovation starts to flow more naturally.

 

Many businesses have used times of upheaval to reinvent themselves, introducing new products, services, or ways of working. Leaders who embrace this kind of forward-thinking can turn uncertainty into opportunity.

 

6. Stay focused on the bigger picture

 

When you’re caught up in the day-to-day challenges of uncertainty, it can be hard to keep your eyes on the horizon. But staying focused on the long-term vision is crucial for maintaining momentum.

 

Make sure your team understands the broader goals of the organisation and how their work during these uncertain times contributes to that vision. Having a sense of purpose can help people push through the tough moments and stay motivated.

 

Even when the path forward is unclear, keep reminding your team of the big picture. It’s easier to tackle the twists and turns of uncertainty when everyone’s pulling in the same direction.

 

Final thoughts: leading with adaptability and optimism

 

Leading through change and uncertainty feels daunting – but doesn’t have to be. Up your levels of communication, stay agile, and foster resilience and innovation in your team.

 

Remember, it’s not about having all the answers – so be kind to yourself and stay flexible!

 

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