Leading through uncertainty

[WORLD] In an era marked by rapid technological disruption, geopolitical tensions, and economic unpredictability, strong leadership has never been more vital. As organizations face mounting uncertainty—from AI integration and remote work transitions to inflation and global conflict—executives are seeking tested strategies to steer teams through instability. Experts say three key lessons are emerging as essential for leading through volatile times: embracing adaptability, fostering transparent communication, and cultivating resilience.

Embrace Adaptability: The New Core Competency

Adaptability is no longer a "nice to have"—it's a core leadership skill. According to a 2024 McKinsey Global Survey, 82% of executives cited “agility in decision-making” as critical to their survival in the past year. In an environment where change is the only constant, rigid planning is being replaced by iterative, flexible strategies.

“The best leaders are those who can pivot quickly without losing sight of their long-term vision,” said Dr. Nicole Chang, a leadership strategist and professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business. “It’s about being responsive, not reactive.”

Key strategies for fostering adaptability include:

• Scenario planning rather than fixed forecasting
• Empowering decentralized teams to respond faster to local conditions
• Prioritizing cross-functional collaboration over siloed decision-making

Companies like Microsoft and Shopify have institutionalized adaptability by redesigning workflows and shortening feedback loops, allowing teams to act on real-time insights.

Prioritize Transparent and Frequent Communication

When uncertainty looms, silence breeds anxiety. A recent survey by Gallup found that 74% of employees feel more engaged when leaders communicate honestly—even if the news is bad. Transparency builds trust and aligns teams around a shared understanding of reality.

“Uncertainty without information leads to rumor and disengagement,” said Janelle Ortiz, Chief People Officer at a Fortune 500 logistics firm. “Leaders must communicate early, often, and with empathy.”

To build transparency:

• Host regular all-hands meetings and open Q&A sessions
• Use multiple channels (email, video, Slack) to reach all demographics
• Share both successes and setbacks in real-time

Successful leaders also model vulnerability. Acknowledging what they don’t know—and committing to finding out—helps humanize leadership and creates a culture where employees feel safe to speak up.

Build Organizational and Personal Resilience

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about bouncing forward. It enables leaders and teams to absorb shocks and emerge stronger. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Human Capital Trends Report, resilient organizations are 60% more likely to achieve long-term success.

At the individual level, leaders need to model healthy coping mechanisms and promote well-being. Google’s internal research during the COVID-19 pandemic found that resilience training and flexible schedules directly correlated with higher employee satisfaction and productivity.

Organizational strategies to foster resilience include:

• Establishing mental health resources and support networks
• Promoting a learning culture that normalizes failure
• Investing in continuous upskilling to future-proof the workforce

“Resilience is a muscle you build over time,” said Tanya Rios, a leadership development consultant. “It’s about creating systems that allow for recovery and reinvention, not just endurance.”

Putting It All Together: Leading with Intention

The most effective leaders in uncertain times are those who remain grounded in purpose while staying agile in execution. They understand that uncertainty isn’t a phase—it’s the new norm. By combining adaptability, transparency, and resilience, leaders can guide their organizations through turbulence with clarity and confidence.

As businesses confront an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, leadership must evolve. The leaders who will thrive in 2025 and beyond are not those who claim to have all the answers, but those who ask the right questions, remain open to change, and lead with authenticity. In doing so, they don’t just survive uncertainty—they harness it as a catalyst for growth.