Leading Through Uncertainty: A Leader’s Job in Chaotic Times
by Courtney Smock, Slingshot25 founding partner, change expert & coach
The world is feeling a little (or a lot) chaotic right now. Layoffs, political tensions, economic swings—you name it. Fear and anxiety are running high, and as leaders, we have a choice: let that uncertainty consume our teams or help them navigate through it with clarity and confidence.
I’m Courtney Smock, and I’ve spent years leading some of the messiest corporate changes you can imagine. Through all of it, one thing has remained true: fear and anxiety aren’t just bad for morale—they’re bad for business. When people are stuck in a fear-based mindset, they can’t innovate, problem-solve, or bring their best selves to work. Leadership is about creating a sense of the future, even when you don’t have all the answers. Our job isn’t to predict what’s coming next—it’s to help our teams move forward, no matter what.
Acknowledge the Losses
Change—especially when driven by uncertainty—often comes with loss. Maybe it’s a loss of stability, predictability, or even identity. Pretending that those losses don’t exist only fuels frustration. Instead:
- Name it. Call out the challenges, acknowledge what’s changing, and validate the emotions that come with it.
- Don’t sugarcoat. Your people don’t need empty optimism; they need honesty paired with a plan.
- Encourage dialogue. Create space for your team to express concerns without judgment. Listen more than you talk.
Help People Make Meaning of the Change
People don’t resist change—they resist the uncertainty around it. You can provide context and help your team connect the dots as a leader. Ask yourself:
- What’s still true? Even in the midst of change, some things remain constant—core values, purpose, and mission. Reinforce those anchors.
- Where’s the opportunity? Show your team how to see possibilities instead of just problems.
- How does this impact us? Frame change as something your team can actively shape rather than something happening to them.
Provide a Sense of Control
Uncertainty makes people feel powerless. Give your team ways to take action, even in small ways:
- Set short-term goals. Break big unknowns into smaller, manageable steps.
Create clarity where you can. Define what is known, even if it’s just the next step. - Empower decision-making. Let your team own parts of the process so they feel a sense of control over their own future.
Be the Model
Your team is looking at you for cues on how to respond. If you’re panicked, they’ll panic. If you stay steady, they’ll find steadiness.
- Check your own mindset. Are you operating from a place of fear or focus?
- Communicate often. Even if you don’t have all the answers (and it’s OK if you don’t), let them know what you do know.
- Lead with confidence and humility. Show that you’re navigating this alongside them, not above them.
Change Is Hard, but It’s Also a Leadership Moment
The best leaders aren’t the ones who have it all figured out. They’re the ones who show up, steady the ship, and help their teams move forward—even when the path is unclear.
If you want to learn how to lead change in a way that sticks (without fear ruling the process), join the waitlist for our Navigating Change Masterclass. We’ll dive deep into the tools, frameworks, and skills you need to guide your team through uncertainty with confidence.
Or contact me at Slingshot25.com/contact to learn more about how our products and services can support your team.
Change isn’t going away—but with the right leadership, fear and chaos don’t have to take over. Let’s do this.