If you had to pick one adjective to describe all that is happening in the world right now, there is a strong chance – if not a high certainty – that you would pick the word uncertainty.  The stock market is volatile and, as a result, is uncertain.  Restructuring at many companies is causing employees to look at their future with a sense of uncertainty. The anxiety people are feeling about the rising cost of food, goods, and services is uncertain.  Governmental guidelines are changing, and the businesses that need to adapt and redirect processes are causing uncertainty.   

Uncertainty itself leads to an entirely new series of adjectives describing various situations and emotions, but all of those reactions stem from the fact that there are so many things around us that are simply, well, uncertain. 

So, how is one to lead through such uncertain times?  What should a leader do to alleviate the stress that is typically associated with uncertainty?  How should a leader behave in order to bring their team through this crisis, or any crisis for that matter, successfully?   

First of all, it is important to understand that stress, uncertainty, and crisis do not create leaders. 

Stress, uncertainty, and crisis reveal leaders.  

They reveal our true selves.  

And they reveal the true leaders.  

And strong leaders know which two mistakes leaders must avoid during times of crisis. 

Do you? 

Leadership is undoubtedly and ultimately about behaviors.  Leaders who successfully bring those they lead through difficult, challenging, and uncertain times have learned, and continue to learn, how to be behave as authentic leaders.  Although admittedly imperfect, those who effectively lead in times such as these behave in a manner that demonstrates a wise balance of thinking and acting, while simultaneously exhibiting collaborative innovation.   

In other words, they avoid these two critical leadership mistakes. 

• Reacting rather than leading.
• Presuming that what worked in a previous crisis will work in the current crisis.  

These two key truths are critical to leading effectively through uncertain times.  These are lessons that have been observed time and again throughout history by watching leaders who avoided these two critical mistakes … as well as by observing those leaders who have not followed them and failed.  To word these two lessons from a positive perspective:  

• Successful leaders do not react; rather, they thoughtfully and proactively lead.   
• Successful leaders understand that what worked in the past may not work now, and therefore, they need to explore new and innovative solutions.   

Leadership is not about being perfect.  Even Moses, who effectively led the Israelites out of captivity, made these two mistakes while at the waters of Meribah.   Part of leadership is, however, about learning from the past.   

As you lead through these uncertain times, remember:   

• Thoughtfully and intentionally lead!  Do not simply react to the crisis at hand.
• Thoughtfully and intentionally learn!  Do not presume that what worked in the past will work now.

Go lead! 

Dr. Tim Gardner is the SVP of Coaching and Team Solutions at Teamalytics. Dr. Gardner is passionate about helping people live their best lives in every area of their lives.  Bio Here