Remember when “unprecedented times” was just a buzzword? The term has now become a way to describe an onslaught of unimaginable activity, both in the US and globally.
As leaders, you’re not just guiding individuals or teams—you’re navigating a sea of change, while trying to keep the organizational compass steady and your people engaged. This is a major undertaking, to say the least, and it can feel like you’re building the boat while you’re sailing it.
The good news? You’re not alone. And despite the uncertainty, there is a way forward—one that begins with presence, authenticity, and a commitment to creating the space your team needs to thrive.
The Myth of the Perfect Leader
In times of transformation, many leaders feel the weight of needing to have all the answers, all the time. But your team doesn’t need perfection from you. They need your presence.
They need to know you see them, hear them, and value them—especially when the waters are rough. This is because change often brings out the best in people and teams. It can reveal resilience, creativity, and innovation that you, and they, don’t realize are there.
The key -- it starts with you.
Connection First: Building Trust in the Midst of Turbulence
Think of yourself as the steady hand on the helm. You might not have control over the waves, but you can steady the ship—and your people—through intentional actions that build trust.
Begin here:
🕒 Take five minutes in meetings for a personal check-in.
A simple “How are you really doing today?” can go further than any pep talk.
🌊 Be the calm in the storm.
Your tone, your presence, and your consistency set the emotional temperature for the team.
🗣️ Create space for genuine dialogue.
Encourage honest conversations while keeping them professional. Ask questions that invite people to share what’s on their minds—and truly listen.
🤝 Share what you know—and acknowledge what you don’t.
You don’t need all the answers; your team respects your honesty more than false certainty.
👂 Listen more than you speak.
Resist the urge to fill every silent moment with solutions. Sometimes the best support is holding space for others to process.
🚪 Keep your door (virtual or physical) open.
Make yourself accessible. Your presence—even in small ways—can be a powerful stabilizing force.
Stay Consistent in Words and Actions
In the midst of change, your consistency is your credibility. Every leader I’ve worked with who successfully navigates transformation does so with a commitment to aligning words and actions.
If you talk about valuing well-being, make sure your decisions back that up. If you say you’re committed to innovation, give your team the space—and the grace—to try new things and learn from missteps.
Final Thought
Remember, great leaders aren't defined by the changes they face, but by how they help their teams navigate through them. Again, your role isn't to have all the answers – it's to ask the right questions and create the conditions for your team to thrive. In times of change, people don't remember what you said or did; they remember if or how you made them feel supported, valued, and capable of facing whatever comes next.
Until Next Time…
Keep your compass true, your heart open, and your focus clear. Your team needs your best self now more than ever.