Insights & Strategies for Effective Leadership

Mar 3

Uncertainty, along with the unsettling feelings (or straight-up fear and anxiety), has become a recurring theme this year. I encounter it in coaching sessions, workshops, yoga classes, the news, and even conversations with my kids. Often, these discussions turn toward, "What can (or should) I be doing about it?"

The World Uncertainty Index, which has been tracking international uncertainty—primarily in terms of economics—since 1952, provides some striking context. While the creators of the index fully acknowledge that “measuring uncertainty is intrinsically difficult,” the data from 2008 to today shows a steadily rising trend in global uncertainty.

From pandemics to global recessions to major social shifts (remember Y2K or the 2008 financial crisis?), we’ve weathered a variety of storms together. In each era of uncertainty, brilliant minds have explored how leaders can navigate through times of uncertainty. And thanks to the marvelous internet, we still have access to their wisdom today.

“Change is for sure, growth is the option.”

Rather than reinventing the wheel, I’ve gathered insights from 25 articles, books, and research papers published between 1997 and January 2025, all focused on "leading through uncertainty." The following list identifies recurring themes, along with a few unique gems, that today’s leaders can take to heart. These insights offer practical guidance to help us lead through the unknown with our teams, showing that there are concrete steps we can take to lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion—no matter what the future holds.

As leaders, we have the opportunity not just to survive uncertainty but to guide our teams through it with resilience and purpose.

1. Establish a Strategic Plan & Vision (included in 52% of articles reviewed) – Take time to assess the situation, think critically, and create a clear strategy for moving forward. Effective leadership starts with taking the time to think through and plan ahead. Then develop a long-term vision that is both meaningful and purpose driven. As the Achieve Centre for Leadership advised during the Covid-19 pandemic, uncertain times do eventually pass. As a leader, “take the long view."

2. Prioritize Well-Being (20% of articles) – “Put your oxygen max on first…” This under-rated gem of guidance was omitted from 80% of the articles reviewed. But I’ll wager that being intentional about how you treat yourself will positively impact everyone who is looking to you for support. Find ways to prioritize self-care by setting clear boundaries and making time for your own well-being. This might be as simple as taking deep breaths to stay grounded in the present.

3. Commit to Clear & Authentic Communication (48% of articles) – Keep open lines of communication with your team, share the truth, and lead with transparency and clarity. Leaders must communicate honestly to build trust, explaining what’s next—simply, clearly, and frequently.

4. Welcome Realism (32% of articles) – Acknowledge the reality of the situation and confront challenges head-on, setting practical expectations. It’s likely that given you build a team of highly intelligent humans, they also see that elephant in the room. To build trust, it’s important to face the reality of any situation and avoid making promises you can’t keep. By staying grounded in reality, you set a clear, honest path forward for yourself and your team.

5. Leverage Your Emotional Intelligence (56% of articles) – Recognize each person’s value, emotions, and personal situation. Strive to stay calm in challenges, as others will be looking to you for cues on how to show up. Reflect on your values, and lead with clarity. Focus on what you can control, and direct your energy toward what truly deserves it—most of the time, this will be the people around you.

6. Build Collaborative Teams (56% of articles) – Don’t go it alone—involve others, leverage diverse perspectives, and build a team-based approach to decision-making and problem-solving. If you don’t know where to start, just listen. If no one is talking, ask thoughtful questions, and then listen. By fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, you create the space for the smart people around you to contribute, innovate, and navigate together.

7. Stay Curious (36% of articles) As a leader, it’s essential to understand how different pieces of information connect and impact one another. Foster an environment where curiosity is encouraged and healthy debate is welcomed. Be honest about what you know and, just as importantly, what you don’t. Stay open to gathering insights from various sources, ask thoughtful questions, and learn from both past experiences and ongoing challenges. Keep your perspective wide and your mindset focused on continuous growth, knowing that learning is an ongoing process.

8. Make the Tough Decisions (24% of articles) – Once you’ve set the vision, built (and listened to) the team, and gathered the necessary information, it’s time to act quickly and confidently. Deliberate thoughtfully, weigh the trade-offs, then choose a strategic direction. Analysis paralysis benefits no one.

9. Adapt & Grow (60% of articles) – Embrace flexibility, let go of perfectionism, challenge old assumptions and learn from mistakes to foster growth. This one is the winner for the most prevalent in this review, and for good reason. As Minter Dial shared in his article, Embracing Key Mindsets to Lead During Uncertain Times, “change is for sure, growth is the option.” With adaptability and a growth mindset, we can turn uncertainty into opportunities.

10. Practice Being Resilient (12% of articles) – While resilience was the least mentioned in the articles reviewed, it should not be overlooked. People are watching you to see how they should behave. When you show up with confidence and patience, refuse to be a victim of circumstances, and stay focused on what you can control, you are modelling how to face challenges with grace and strength.

By Cassie Leonard, February 2025

Cassie Leonard is an Executive Coach, Speaker, and Founder of ELMM Coaching. With 16 years of experience in corporate aerospace, combined with her insights as a working parent, athlete, and yoga instructor, Cassie brings a unique, people-centric approach to leadership.

Connect with Cassie Leonard to learn more about how she can help your team navigate uncertainty with resilience.

World Uncertainty Index: https://worlduncertaintyindex.com/

Articles Included in Review:

Please share any other resources on leading through uncertainty in the chat, so we can all keep growing and adapting.

1. Achieve Center (2020) - https://achievecentre.com/blog/how-to-lead-in-uncertain-times-looking-beyond-the-coronavirus/

2. ASME (2023) - https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/leading-through-uncertain-times

3. Belbin - https://www.belbin.com/resources/articles-directory/5-tips-for-leadership-in-uncertain-times

4. BMC Health Services Research, Springer Nature (2023) - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12913-023-09223-y

5. Bridgeline Coaching (2022) - https://bridgelinecoaching.com/5-essentials-for-leaders-in-uncertain-times-2/

6. Coaching for Leaders - https://coachingforleaders.com/lead-in-times-of-uncertainty/

7. Entrepreneurs | Middle East (2021) - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-best-practices-lead-uncertain-times-tim-elmore/

8. Forbes (May, 2024) - https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2020/05/13/five-qualities-of-great-leaders-in-uncertain-times/