I don’t know many people who enjoy uncertainty, but leadership is all about how to navigate it effectively to provide clarity, direction, and positive change - even when they don’t have all the answers. Uncertainty, unlike volatility, involves the unknowns about future events and the difficulty of making assertive predictions. Managers play a crucial role in guiding employees through these foggy times, building trust, and offering support to reduce stress and maintain focus.
What Uncertainty Can Look Like
Uncertainty often arises from unclear outcomes and unpredictable market trends, making it difficult for companies to plan confidently. For instance, an emerging technology might show potential, but its market acceptance remains unknown, leaving teams unsure of where to invest resources. Regulatory developments can also contribute to uncertainty, as companies wait to see if proposed laws will pass and how they’ll need to adapt. Internally, uncertainty can lead to ambiguous project scopes or shifting timelines as the company reassesses priorities. Employees may feel a lack of clarity about long-term goals, which can increase stress and affect morale. Yet, this environment also fosters open communication and flexible planning, encouraging teams to focus on core objectives and adaptively prepare for a range of possibilities.
Let’s explore ways to overcome the challenges of uncertainty
· Transparent Communication. Employees respect honesty and transparency, even when information is limited. Managers who communicate what they know, as well as what they don’t, build trust with their teams. Regular updates, even if there’s no new information, create a more open and predictable environment where employees feel informed rather than left in the dark.
· Scenario Planning for Confidence. Managers can help teams feel prepared by conducting scenario planning sessions. By mapping out potential situations and discussing possible responses, teams are better equipped to handle various outcomes. This approach can reduce anxiety and make the unknown feel more manageable.
· Fostering Psychological Safety. Uncertain times can lead employees to hesitate in sharing their concerns or ideas. Managers who foster an environment of psychological safety allow employees to voice thoughts without fear of judgment. By encouraging open dialogue, leaders build a support system where employees feel understood and valued, even when answers are unclear.
Managing uncertainty is about creating a sense of stability amid the unknown. Through open communication, proactive planning, and a supportive atmosphere, managers can guide their teams to feel empowered and prepared - even when the path forward is not fully visible.
Quote of the day. "Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later." – Bob Goff
Question. What steps can you take to communicate openly with your team, even when you don’t have all the answers? Comment and share below; we’d love to hear from you!
The next blog in this series will focus on navigating complexity in the workplace.
As a leadership development and executive coach, I work with leaders to sharpen their leadership skills and better navigate VUCA conditions, contact me to explore this topic further.
How do you navigate uncertainty?