Imagine you are on a flight, and suddenly you hit some serious turbulence.
The plane shakes. Drops. Rattles.
Your heart skips a beat.
You grip the armrest, waiting to hear that calm, steady voice of the captain saying, “We’re experiencing some turbulence, but we’re on top of it. Please remain seated and fasten your seatbelts.” But instead, you see the captain leaving the cockpit… to join you in the cabin… to panic.
Just imagine that.
That unsettling feeling is exactly what some employees are experiencing today.
In these turbulent times—economic downturns, market disruptions, team challenges—some leaders are leaving their posts, losing their calm, and inadvertently transferring their fear to their teams. But leadership, especially during tough times, isn’t about avoiding the turbulence. It’s about staying in the cockpit and leading with courage and clarity.
Here are 4 actions every leader can take to navigate the storm:
1. Communicate Honestly and Often
Silence creates fear. In uncertainty, your team needs clarity. Even when you don’t have all the answers, be transparent. Share what you know, what you don’t know, and what’s being done to figure things out.
Tip: Schedule regular check-ins—even if just to say, “We’re still figuring things out.” Transparency builds trust.
2. Stay Steady and Visible
In times of uncertainty, people look for stability. Be present.
Your team needs to see and hear from you. Whether it’s town halls, team meetings, or quick check-ins, showing up consistently provides a sense of security.
Tip: Lead by example. Your calm demeanor reassures others that the storm will pass.
3. Make Decisive, Informed Decisions
Indecision is a decision—and it breeds fear.
In turbulent times, gather as much information as possible, trust your instincts, and take action. Pivot if necessary, but don’t be paralyzed by fear of making a mistake.
Tip: Embrace “agile decision-making”—make the best choice with the information you have, adjust as you learn.
4. Prioritize Well-being and Morale
Uncertain times are emotionally taxing. Check in with your team not just about work, but about how they’re doing personally.
Small gestures of support and empathy can go a long way in keeping morale high and the team engaged.
Tip: Don’t just talk about wellness—model it. Share how you’re managing stress or uncertainty.
Turbulence doesn’t last forever, but how you lead through it will be remembered long after the skies are clear.
Stay in the cockpit. Keep the communication flowing. Make decisions. Be present. Lead with empathy.
Your team is counting on you to guide them safely through the storm.
I’d love to hear from you! What leadership challenges are you facing right now? At B4B Partners, we’re exploring topics like:
- How to Set Sales Targets in Uncertain Markets
- Leading Remote Teams Through Change
- Building Team Resilience in Tough Times
But we want to hear from you! What leadership topic would you like B4B to curate next? Drop your thoughts in the comments!