A common assumption among leaders and managers is that their success is dependent on having the right answers at the right time and providing clear direction to their people amidst the clamor of day-to-day operations. This may have been historically true when the pace and complexity of change were moderate, but is far less so in times of large scale, high-pressured transformational change.
Transformation is a very uncertain and unpredictable process that requires new leadership qualities and approaches: (1) the outcome is unknown at the start and must be figured out as you proceed, (2) this “figuring it out” process requires constant course correction, (3) this journey is only semi-controllable and largely erratic, and (4) given the magnitude of uncertainty, people get mentally and emotionally triggered with feelings of fear, anger, and confusion. Attempting to control the process and predetermine the outcome, while an admirable desire, is just not possible in transformation. And trying to do so makes things worse!
No control? No ready answers? No trust-worthy plan and timetable? What’s a leader to do? In this article we will help you answer these critical questions and find comfort, strength, and success when leading through uncertainty. We will outline six key actions that you can take to stay on top of the “bucking bronco” of change and continue to provide guidance and stability. We will demonstrate how these actions provide sound leadership in times of uncertainty, as well as debunk the faulty assumption that you, as the leader, should be all-knowing.
