Navigating Workplace Uncertainty

Leading in uncertain times is a hot topic today in business as we face a compounding set of unknowns: tariffs, inflation, volatility in our financial markets, the ongoing climate crisis, supply chain disruptions, global conflicts, and the advent of AI to name just a few. Whether you are an operator, investor or board member, I wanted to share a few of my approaches to dealing with the reality we are facing, and I would love your thoughts in response: 1. First, for me, is to remain consistent and committed to our company values. At PSP Partners, we express ours as IDEALS--Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Alignment, Leadership and Service. Your teams want to know that during uncertainty you will make hard decisions that are grounded in your core values. 2. Radical honesty is critical. Bringing your leadership team to a point of embracing the reality of the landscape that your organization is facing is an essential foundation to then figuring out the vulnerabilities. 3. Ensuring that your balance sheet is strong to weather the difficult periods as well as to have the opportunity to play offense is more essential than ever. 4. Regular scenario planning and pressure testing various outcomes is essential to manage and mitigate risk; it is all the more important right now. This is also known as “red teaming” and it’s a critical thing to do. 5. Being curious about your blind spots and institutional biases will help create an environment where you and your team can safely challenge assumptions. 6. Overcommunicating with your management team and to your company as a whole have never been more needed. Remember it takes about 7 times for a message to break through. Don’t be afraid to repeat it over and over. 7. Embracing the idea that challenges also create unique and unexpected opportunities is so important. During uncertainty the best companies create extraordinary opportunity and returns for the long term. 8. A strong, innovative and resilient culture is always foundational and especially essential to navigating the current challenges. The CEO and your leadership team have to set the example.  

Even formal job offers aren’t guarantees anymore. 600+ experienced professionals recently had their onboarding stalled, after accepting confirmed job offers from TCS (today’s ET). Many had already resigned. Some had relocated. Almost all had made personal and financial decisions assuming stability. But this is the new hiring reality. Today’s job market isn’t just unpredictable, it’s volatile, disruptive, and constantly evolving. So how do we navigate it? From my experience coaching professionals through career transitions, here are 3 key lessons that apply now more than ever: 1. Don’t just go by the offer letter; do your due diligence. Before accepting any offer, especially in today’s environment, speak with current employees. Ask: – Are projects stable? – Are there recent onboarding delays? – Is the team expanding or restructuring? Brand names and CTCs are important, but so is clarity on ground reality. 2. Have a contingency mindset, even before you need one. It’s never easy when things don’t go as planned but those who plan for uncertainty recover faster. Maintain a 2–3 month financial buffer. Keep expanding your network even after accepting an offer because as they say- ‘Your network is your net worth’. Think of career moves as chapters, not destinations. 3. Build adaptability like a muscle. The professionals who thrive today aren’t just highly skilled, they’re highly adaptable. Be open to short-term freelance work, upskilling, even temporary pivots. What looks like a detour might open new doors you hadn’t considered. If you’re among those impacted - pause, but don’t panic. This isn’t the end of your journey - just a tough twist in the plot. Use this time to reflect, realign, and rise again - stronger, sharper, and more prepared. #careertransition #adaptability

As an A-10 pilot, launching on a mission often meant facing the unknown—uncertainty about what we’d encounter, how plans might change, and what challenges awaited. In those moments, it wasn’t just about staying focused; it was about leading with clarity and purpose to ensure the mission succeeded. As leaders, our mindset and actions set the tone for how teams navigate uncertainty. It’s not just about guiding them through the turbulence; it’s about inspiring confidence, maintaining focus, and ensuring the team stays motivated and engaged. Here’s what I’ve learned about leading effectively during times of change: 1️⃣ Model Calm & Confidence: When the path ahead is unclear, your team looks to you for cues. Staying composed—even when you don’t have all the answers—reduces anxiety and builds trust. 💡 Tip: Use clear, concise, correct communication to show control, even if you’re still processing the situation internally. 2️⃣ Balance Transparency with Optimism: Be honest about challenges while emphasizing opportunities. Acknowledge difficulties but focus on solutions and remind your team of their strengths. 💡 Tip: Frame obstacles as opportunities for growth and innovation. 3️⃣ Empower Decision-Making: Change often demands swift decisions. Trust your team’s expertise and avoid micromanaging. Empowering others not only reduces bottlenecks but boosts morale. 💡 Tip: Provide clear decision-making guidelines to ensure everyone knows their boundaries and responsibilities. 4️⃣ Prioritize Communication & Connection: In uncertain times, silence creates more doubt. Frequent updates, even if incomplete, help keep the team informed and aligned. 💡 Tip: Schedule informal check-ins to address concerns. Walk around and talk to your team members. 5️⃣ Focus on Long-Term Strategy: While addressing immediate challenges, keep the big picture in sight. Help your team understand how today’s actions connect to tomorrow’s goals. 💡 Tip: Reinforce the team’s sense of purpose by connecting their work to the larger mission or goal. When people understand why their efforts matter, it inspires resilience and keeps them motivated through uncertainty. By taking these steps, you not only navigate the current challenge but also prepare your team to handle future changes with confidence and resilience. #leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #FlyingInTheFaceOfFear

When I was building culture at TikTok, there were moments when the world around us shifted faster than any strategy deck could keep up with. At first, I tried to tackle it in all the ways I was familiar with—structure, speed, problem-solving. I leaned on logic, frameworks, and a fast-moving mindset. But I quickly learned: uncertainty doesn’t respond to pressure. It asks for something else entirely. I had to unlearn the instinct to control, and start learning how to: 1. Pause before reacting. Sometimes clarity comes not from acting fast, but from listening deeply. 2. Name what’s real. Saying “I don’t know yet” builds more trust than pretending to have all the answers. 3. Ground in values. When the path isn’t clear, anchoring in what you stand for is often the most strategic thing you can do. 4. Create space for others. People don’t need you to have perfect certainty. They need presence, honesty, and belief. In moments of uncertainty—whether leading at scale or navigating one difficult decision—what matters most is not having the answer, but having the courage to lead with openness, ask questions, be curious and open. And the truth is, I’m still learning. I hope I always will :-) More on what I’m learning soon… #Leadership #CompanyCulture #Uncertainty #Coaching #GrowthMindset

Mastering the ability to lead in uncertainty stands as a paramount skill in effective leadership. My experience overseeing content moderation at YouTube amidst the COVID-19 pandemic provided a wealth of challenges, or rather, invaluable learning opportunities, with daily adjustments necessitated by fluctuating human review capacities and the global impact of COVID-19 on delivery sites. This dynamic environment compounded challenges across languages and verticals, exacerbated by a surge in platform usage and the proliferation of medical misinformation. Uncertainty is a constant, whether driven by exogenous factors like the pandemic or endogenous factors such as leadership transitions and technological shifts, in my current role at Cruise. Reflecting on the essentials of leading through uncertainty, I've found that a blend of vision, decisiveness, adaptability, empathy, and resilience is indispensable for guiding teams to success: Vision: Even amidst change, crafting a clear purpose and direction provides the anchor for team cohesion and motivation. Decisiveness: Making timely, informed decisions acknowledges the need for agility and readiness to pivot when necessary. Adaptability: Cultivating flexibility fosters an environment of continuous learning and improvement, crucial for navigating uncertainty. Empathy: Creating psychological safety by demonstrating vulnerability and understanding supports team well-being and performance. Communication: Direct, frequent communication keeps everyone aligned and engaged, fostering transparency and trust. Resilience: Embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth and maintaining forward momentum ensures progress despite challenges. By embodying these qualities, leaders can effectively navigate uncertainty and steer their teams towards success, even in the most turbulent of times. What are some principles you found helpful in navigating uncertainty? #uncertainty #leadership

When leaders go quiet, assumptions grow loud - and that’s where chaos begins. I’ve noticed something critical about leadership during uncertain economic times: Every communication void we, as leaders create, gets filled with something else. Usually, that looks like fear and speculation. Employees, worried about tumultuous changes, often go straight to the worst-case scenario. Think about it: While we’re waiting for the perfect moment or complete information to communicate with our teams, they’re already preparing for layoffs. I’ve seen how quickly these assumptions can spiral, turning minor uncertainties into major disruptions that affect everything from daily productivity to long-term morale. Here’s what I’ve learned works instead. Talk early and talk often to your team, even when you don’t have all the answers. Our teams don’t expect us to predict the future - they just need to know we’re navigating it with them. Sometimes, just saying “Here’s what we know, here’s what we’re still figuring out, and here’s our next step” can transform anxiety into action. The truth is, being transparent about what we don’t know yet builds more trust than silence ever could. It keeps our teams focused on what matters instead of dwelling on what-ifs. So the next time you face economic uncertainty as a leader, don’t wait for the perfect moment to communicate with your team. Take every chance you get to remind them that you won’t leave them in the dark. #leadershipinsights #organizationalculture #changemanagement

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve probably seen some 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 about policy changes, workforce shifts, and decisions that impact organizations and their people. This is NOT a political post. So don’t come for me in the comments.😊 But if you’re an 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿, you’re getting a front-row lesson in 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆. I’d love to tell you that you can just focus on the work and avoid these conversations. But we both know that’s not reality—especially when 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱. Here’s the hard truth: ➝ As an 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿, YOU are often the one leadership expects to communicate the message. ➝ YOU are the one keeping your team calm and focused when speculation spreads. ➝ YOU are the bridge between truth and conjecture. And that? 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲. Because suddenly, you have to: ➝ Remove your personal feelings from the situation ➝ Balance 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆, 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 ➝ Stay 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹-𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? 𝟭. 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁. Before emotions take over, ensure you understand what is 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲. 𝟮. 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰. People want to be heard, not dismissed. Create space for dialogue. 𝟯. 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲. You’re the bridge—make sure the messaging is clear while also protecting team morale. 𝟰. 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. If you don’t know, say so. If you get an update, share it. Leaders who hedge or guess lose trust. If you’ve been in this situation, how do you navigate it? Drop your thoughts below. Let’s build a playbook for informal leaders dealing with difficult messaging. #Leadership #Communication #InformalLeadership #NavigatingChange #InfluenceWithoutAuthority

I recently did a TV interview about leading through uncertainty that sparked deeper thoughts I wanted to share with you. Uncertainty isn’t going away. It’s not a season or a storm--it’s the climate we’re operating in. And it’s constantly changing. Many people are feeling the pressure right now. And the old playbook doesn't always work anymore. In this week's episode, I cover 3 Critical Shifts that can help you navigate uncertainty with more clarity, calm and confidence. 🔸Shift from Certainty ➡️ Openness (Be willing to unlearn. Stay open to different points of view.) 🔸Shift from Control ➡️ Curiosity (Ask deliberate questions. Check in with team members simply to listen and understand their experience.) 🔸Shift from Isolation ➡️ Connection (Engage more with other people. Step up your communication.) ⭐️⭐️Which shift resonates most with you?⭐️⭐️ Don't wait for clarity—create it. Not by having all the answers, but by staying flexible, acting deliberately, and driving engagement. Uncertainty is here to stay, but so is possibility. ✨ Be certain you can grow through it.🌱 For more of my thoughts, find link to episode in comments below. #leadership #uncertainty #adaptability #mentalflexibility #CEOontheGoPodcast

This week I've had the same conversation with several clients across different industries who have confided in me about their desire to provide more transparency and open communication to their teams and get it from their leadership. All of them are working through major changes so it's no wonder, really. Major changes are swirling around us all, and uncertainty can be a breeding ground for anxiety. Especially during times of change, employees crave information. Here are some communication tips to navigate uncertainty, both for employees and leaders: For Employees: 🔍 Seek Clarity, Not Certainty Don't expect to have all the answers. Focus on understanding the situation and the company's approach. ❓️ Ask Questions & Share Feedback: Open communication is a two-way street. Don't be afraid to ask questions and provide constructive feedback. ➕️ Stay Positive & Be a Source of Calm: A positive attitude is contagious. Be a source of support for your colleagues. For People Leaders: 🗣 Communicate Early & Often: Keep your team informed, even if there's no news. Regular updates build trust and reduce anxiety. 🤝 Be Transparent & Honest: Acknowledge challenges and don't sugarcoat the situation. Be honest about what you know and what you don't. 🌈 Focus on Solutions & Hope: While acknowledging challenges, focus on solutions and the path forward. Offer words of encouragement and hope. By following these tips, you can foster a more positive and productive work environment during uncertain times. #CommunicationMatters #TransparencyMatters #3KeysConsulting #IncBlocks #KeysToTheFuture #KeysToSuccess #Change #TransformTheFuture #Transparency #Coaching #KeysToChange #ChangeManagement