Leading in Times of Uncertainty

As specialists in the leadership training industry, we’ve seen recurring trends in certain focus areas –and one constant challenge leaders and managers seek to address is, ironically, uncertainty. 

 

In many ways, leaders are ideally positioned to deal with the unprecedented uncertainty brought by COVID-19. We’ve dealt with the uncertainty that comes with regime change, the uncertainty of doing business in a developing economy affected by the whims of giants, and the uncertainty of an economy under threat by corruption, aging infrastructure and state capture. 

 

In many ways, leaders understand the need for stoicism, resilience, and agility better than many global industry leaders, and our drive to include this in leadership and management training has shored up our strengths and equipped us to deal with the pandemic.

 

Facing Uncertain Times Allows Leaders to Shine 

 

Although unexpected and unpredictable, it’s important to realise that world-changing events are nothing new to the business or political sphere. In fact, it is times like these that have brought the world’s greatest leaders forward. Marcus Aurelius lived through a pandemic. 

 

You yourself are the result of an unbroken chain of ancestors who have survived every war, disease outbreak and natural disaster that has occurred in human history, many of whom did so without the resources, technology, community support and healthcare that we have today.

 

In times like this, it is easy for anyone to be caught up in the fear that large-scale uncertainty brings. We don’t know what the future holds even months down the line, let alone years. We are worried for our organisations, our careers, our salaries – our futures. And these are valid fears. 

 

But good leadership is about acknowledging the reality of these fears and moving forward anyway. We look towards what we can control, where we can make the most impact, where we can realize new opportunities, and where we can increase the safety and wellbeing of our teams, families and communities.

 

Yes, we are living in tough times. But let these tough times be an opportunity for you to shine a light forward for those around you, to reprioritise, and to remake the future of your organisation and your country through effective change.