Unexpected challenges shake even the most seasoned teams. Stress, uncertainty, and the unknown can trigger a range of emotions—from fear and frustration to avoidance and doubt.
As a leader, your role isn’t to eliminate the stress (because you can’t). It’s to guide your team through it—offering steadiness even in unpredictable times.
Here are seven powerful ways to support your team’s mindset when the unexpected happens.
1. Meet them where they are—acknowledge the discomfort
Every reaction to uncertainty is valid. Some people may feel anxious. Others frustrated. Some might shut down completely.
Instead of judging their response, recognize that they’re doing their best with the tools and experiences they have. Let them know it’s okay to feel how they feel—this simple act fosters trust and psychological safety.
2. Resist the urge to fix and solve—just listen
When stress rises, our instinct is often to offer solutions. But in our years of experience, we've seen that the most effective leadership during change replaces that solution with something different: compassionate listening.
Intentionally carve out time and create space in conversations for your team to express concerns without rushing to reassure or problem-solve. You'll be surprised how much the atmosphere improves. Sometimes, people just need to be heard.
3. Communicate frequently—even if there’s no news
Silence breeds speculation.
The more open and frequent your communication, the more stable your team will feel. Even if there’s no update, you can ease uncertainty by saying:
“There’s nothing new to share today, but I’ll keep you posted.”
Be direct, avoid sugarcoating, and don’t guess at outcomes. Transparency builds trust.
4. Be real and be steady
Let your team see your humanity. If you're navigating challenges, too, acknowledge it.
The key here is to balance vulnerability with steadiness—your team will mirror your energy. One sentence is usually enough:
"I know there's a lot up in the air right now—and as someone who alphabetizes their spice rack, you can bet how much I like unpredictability and uncertainty."
If you remain present and grounded, they’ll find reassurance in your composure. No need for false positivity—just an honest reminder: You’re in it together, and you’ll figure it out as a team.
5. Recognize their resilience
Your team shows up every day despite the challenges.
Acknowledge their commitment, flexibility, and grit. A simple “I see how hard you’re working, and I appreciate you” goes a long way.
6. Keep the mission at the forefront
When uncertainty hits, people may start to question whether their work even matters.
Remind them that it does. As their leader, you know their work better than anyone else, so you can connect it to the mission better than anyone else.
Point to their specific efforts and link to the bigger picture—the mission, the impact, the purpose. When people see how their work contributes to something meaningful, motivation follows even in uncertainty.
7. Provide clear priorities and celebrate small wins
When stress levels are high, clarity is a gift.
Help your team focus on what truly matters right now. What is the priority today? What small, achievable steps can move things forward?
Break it down. Celebrate each win. Momentum is built one step at a time.
Bonus: Create moments of togetherness
Stressful times don’t have to feel isolating.
Make a habit of casual check-ins. Welcome team jokes and “real-life” interruptions on Zoom. These moments strengthen team bonds and remind everyone they’re not in it alone.
You can’t remove the stress—but you can lead through it
Uncertainty is hard. And it's especially hard to lead through it when you're feeling it, too.
But when you show up with transparency, empathy, and a steady hand, you help your team feel safe, capable, and supported. That’s the heart of great leadership during change.
Here’s to guiding your team through the challenges—and coming out stronger on the other side.
Want to strengthen your leadership during change?
