Leading Through Uncertainty

We are certainly living through unprecedented times and with that comes uncertainty, fear and anxiety. Over the last two decades we’ve become accustomed to things changing and changing quickly, but never this rapidly. We find ourselves living and working in a very unfamiliar environment; self-isolation, social distancing, working from home, leading virtual teams.
 
And just like the Leaders of our Country, we also, are learning on the go. Leading through uncertainty is challenging, not only are you expected to lead your team through with a sense of calm and clarity, but you are also expected to have all the answers, create a psychological safe place for your team to express themselves, manage heightened emotions, maintain morale and productivity; all while simultaneously doing all of the above for yourself.
 
But there are a number of key behaviours conscious leaders demonstrate during times of uncertainty which will help both you and your team:
 

Choose Your Source of Information

Consciously choose where you source your information both for you and your team. Whether we are living in uncertainty or during times of stability we always have the ability to choose where we source information.
 
At work ensure you are sourcing your information from the people that hold the latest factual information. And in most instances, I can assure you it will not be your colleague who used to sit next to you unless that person is your leader. 
 
At home or in your community, similarly start to question your sources of information, perhaps Facebook or A Current Affair aren’t the most credible sources in the current environment?
 
And most importantly, decide how often you want to receive this information – if you need to restrict time spent on social media or watching the TV, then do it. Don’t be afraid to unfollow people or pages that are bombarding you with unhelpful information.
 
You have full control over your sources, so for your own health and that of your teams, make some conscious choices and lead consciously through uncertainty.
 

Be Adaptable

When you are living or working in an uncertain environment, things are naturally going to change and change rapidly. Uncertainty means you are experiencing a situation you haven’t experienced before, so you can’t rely on past experience to make decisions or to take action. When surrounded by uncertainty you need to learn as you go, based on the information (from a reputable source) as it comes to hand.

This uncertainty means many; your family, your teams, your colleagues may be experiencing anxiety simply from the feeling of lack of control.
You can help by sourcing reputable information, listening to others, coming up with solutions together, testing the solutions, and adjusting your course of action in line with the new information as it comes to light.

No one person will have all the right answers, be open to listening to everyone’s ideas, agree on a course of action, trial it and adjust the course if necessary AND repeat.
 

Create Connection

Connection is a basic human need, a need of belonging. You may find yourself leading or part of a virtual team for the first time. You may have relatives who have lost their only source of social connection.

Take the time to connect daily, not only in a work sense, but also socially! Leaders often underestimate the importance of social connection at work.

If you are leading, or are part of a team, then find creative and innovative ways to connect daily, both individually and as a whole team. Not only to keep them informed of what is happening, but also to touch base and connect as humans.

Family, especially older family members, equally may be feeling isolated if their social connections have ceased. Reach out, connect and ensure they feel they belong and are part of something better, something bigger.
 

It’s Not a Time for Ego

Uncertainty is a time to play to each other’s strengths, because you are going need diversity of skill, experience and knowledge.

There are no heroes in times of uncertainty, it takes a team of capable people to be successful. A team who understands the strengths each of their members bring and how to best utilise them.

So, I ask you, for this period of time, put your ego aside and learn from each other. Others will have skills you don’t, so stand aside and encourage them to perform, inform, influence and lead, even if it is until such time that new information or learnings identify another path is required to be followed, and possibly requiring a strength of another in the team.
 

Resilience

Yes, uncertainty is frustrating, infuriating even. When you feel like you no longer have control or feel that everything is constantly changing direction; the strategy, the plan and your next step.

Frustrating that you are socially isolated, working from home or not. Frustrated that you can no longer do the things you would normally do, either at work or home.

But you can’t afford to get stuck there, you will not only drag yourself backwards, but the rest of your team as well.

So, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and create a vision, purpose, direction and routine for yourself and the team. Keep working towards the goal, both professionally and personally. No one needs you to be stronger than you have ever been before, right now, more than you!

Be strong for yourself first and then others will follow your lead. You are resourceful and creative; you can make this work, no matter where you are located.
 

Be Courageous and Vulnerable

It would be fair to say in an uncertain environment that no one has walked this exact same path before. In this situation you need to have the courage to listen to others, try different things, create new habits and routines.

And perhaps, more importantly, be vulnerable. Acknowledge the fear and anxiety being felt either by yourself, your family, your teams, your colleagues. BUT act anyway!

Be honest about your thoughts and uncertainties BUT continue to focus on the end point; the team’s vision, purpose and goals. Continue to go through with the necessary changes to ensure your team are supported, have the tools they need to do their work, are productive and engaged during this time. All this will help guide and inform the next steps you, your team, your family needs to take.
 

Build Trust

Trust can be a huge barrier for many, even when times are certain. So, when there is high uncertainty, trust can be difficult to achieve and difficult to allow.

The reality is, when living and experiencing uncertainty, there is much you can no longer control, including your people’s responses to the environment.

If you are the one who needs others to trust you; you need to be clear on what you are trying to achieve, provide clear direction, over-communicate, be transparent, listen, be available and empathise.

Did I mention over-communicate? In uncertainty, you will need to keep your communication short and clear, you will need to communicate the same message many times, as people will only be able to absorb so much new information at one time.

If you are the one being asked to ‘trust’ and finding it difficult due to the level of uncertainty and lack of control; breathe, ask questions, seek information from reputable sources, try new ways with an open mind, provide constructive feedback, and understand everyone is doing the best they can with the information they currently have.

Be Inclusive

Diversity, and more importantly, inclusion is critical in times of uncertainty. People need to feel they are contributing and adding value, even if it is only in some small way. AND they want to be heard. It is important to acknowledge that everyone has something to offer, especially with diverse backgrounds and cultures.

That one piece of information or experience could make all the difference in finding unique solutions to unprecedented problems.

The benefits of taking the time to seek input from your colleagues, teams, or leaders (either individually or as a group) will surprise you; you will improve morale, engagement, focus, give people a sense of purpose and increase innovation – all of which are critical when leading in uncertainty.

Of course, you won’t always be able to come to a consensus, but that doesn’t mean you discount any ideas or thoughts.
 
 

And, Make Time for Fun

Allow time for a little fun and humour. Nothing releases stress, anxiety, fear or frustration like laughter. During times of uncertainly, very rarely will anything go to plan, and if it does, it will soon unravel and change direction.

Make sure you touch things lightly; be aware, be informed and be responsible; but don’t take yourself or everything else too seriously.

It’s ok to laugh in and at a situation. In fact, I believe it’s a must if you wish to keep your sanity during these tough times.
 

I’d love to hear your thoughts.