Leading Through Uncertainty: 5 Practical Ways to Support Your Team (and Yourself) in Challenging Times

As a leader, you understand that managing a team and maintaining smooth business operations are not without challenges; however, navigating periods of widespread uncertainty introduces an entirely new level of complexity. 

Between economic and political shifts, industry disruptions, and evolving employee expectations, today’s business owners and leaders are being asked to navigate constant change while still showing up for their teams. We understand how stressful periods like these can be, but the good news is that you don’t need to have all the answers to lead your people effectively and set a strong example.

What your team needs most during challenging times is your presence, honesty, and empathy. Here are five actionable ways to support your employees—and yourself—when the future feels uncertain.

 

1. Acknowledge the Uncertainty, and Be Honest About It

One of the most powerful actions you can take as a leader is to acknowledge the situations that are unfolding. You may not have every answer (and that’s okay!), but avoiding the conversation creates confusion and distrust.

Instead, be transparent about what you know, what you are working to figure out, and how decisions will be made. A sample statement to your people might look like:

“We know the economy is shifting, and we’re keeping a close eye on how it might impact our operations. While we do not have all the details yet, we promise to keep you informed and involved as things unfold.”

Being transparent about uncertainty builds trust within your organization, even when the news isn’t necessarily positive or when you don’t have all the answers. 

 

2. Communicate Early, Clearly, and Often

When uncertainty lingers, silence can feel like danger. It’s human nature to want to make sense of what is going on around you; often, if there is a lack of communication, people will start to fill in the blanks themselves, not always with the most optimistic assumptions.

To prevent this from happening in your organization, we recommend being committed to consistent and clear communication. A few ways to achieve this include:

• Hosting regular check-ins or team huddles
• Sending company-wide updates, even if the message is “no big changes yet.”
• Encouraging open dialogue and creating space for questions.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when uncertainty was pervasive, communication from leadership was critical for employees. Many organizations provided their staff with updates based on the information available at the time, while also communicating when the next update would occur to alleviate future stress or confusion for their teams.

In uncertain times, keeping your employees informed about when and how they can expect to hear from you helps them feel anchored in a predictable rhythm.

 

3. Lead with Empathy and Compassion

Challenging times affect everyone differently. While some employees may be worried about job security, others may be struggling with mental load, burnout, or family pressures. Regardless of how the pressures of uncertainty are affecting your employees, make it a priority to truly listen to your team. 

Empathy doesn’t mean you have to fix everything—it simply means showing understanding, offering support where you can, and treating people with compassion. That might look like:

• Offering more flexible scheduling
• Re-evaluating performance expectations temporarily
• Having more frequent 1-on-1 check-ins with a focus on well-being

 

4. Maintain Morale (Without Toxic Positivity)

As tempting as it may be to keep the mood light during tough times with platitudes like “we’ve got this!” or “everything will work out fine!” these overly optimistic messages can feel out-of-touch and dismissive. 

Instead, it’s better to focus on moments of real progress and resilience, keeping morale grounded in reality. A few ways to achieve this include celebrating team wins (big or small), recognizing effort, and thanking your employees for showing up during challenging moments.

Consider starting meetings with a round of shout-outs or gratitude, or highlighting a “win of the week” in your emails or Slack channel. Creating space for feedback and engagement is crucial for ensuring that your employees feel heard and involved.

 

5. Take Care of Yourself, Too

Leaders aren’t immune to stress, and in fact, they often carry more of it. Don’t overlook your own well-being in the process. Prioritize rest, lean on your support network, and consider what kind of help you need to lead effectively in the present moment. That could be:

• Delegating more
• Hiring a coach or external consultant
• Setting clearer work-life boundaries

When you present yourself as a grounded and thoughtful leader, your team is more likely to feel safe and secure, even during the most turbulent of times.

 

Final Thoughts

Uncertainty can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to derail your team. With clear communication, empathetic leadership, and the right support systems in place, you can guide your team through challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

Remember, you don’t have to carry the weight of uncertainty alone. At Berger HR Solutions, we support business owners and leadership teams through moments just like these. Whether you need help facilitating tough conversations, navigating workforce changes, or developing a communication strategy that builds trust, we’re here to help. Contact us at info@bergerhrsolutions.com or 410-695-9888 to learn more.