Leading Elephants

??? Join Us for our next Wellspring Conversation on April 1st! ??? At our last Wellspring Conversation: Navigating Uncertainty, we came together in a space of community, care, and courage—sharing how we navigate uncertain paths, stand up for our values, and hold onto joy. That conversation inspired our next two gatherings, and we’d love for you to be part of the next wave of connection and insight! ?? Cultivating Unshakable Joy - April 1, 2025 @ 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT ?? Joy is power. Joy is resistance. Joy fuels a better future. Let’s come together to explore how we spark it, sustain it, and spread it—becoming joy multipliers who create ripples of resilience and possibility. ?? Acts of Agency: The Seeds of Change - May 2, 2025 @ 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT ?? When the ground is shifting, even the smallest actions can plant the seeds for something greater. Let’s share the ways we’re stepping up, standing up, and making a difference—however big or small. Together, we’ll nurture these seeds, grow deep roots, and cultivate a movement of collective action and hope. These free conversations are a space to reflect, connect, and grow alongside a community of thoughtful leaders. If these themes resonate with you, we invite you to join us! ?? Register here: https://hubs.li/Q03c9B-70 Can’t make it this time? No worries—there will be more Wellspring Conversations to come! Stay tuned. ??? #Leadership #Community #Joy #WellspringConversations #LeadingElephants

??? Say It Early. Say It Often. Say It Again. In uncertainty, silence isn’t neutral—it’s unsettling. And when big changes hit, teams need a narrative just as much (maybe even more so) as they need decisions. They need to understand the "why," the "what now," and the "where we’re going." Without that, people fill the gaps with fear, assumptions, and worst-case scenarios. As a leader, your words shape reality. How you frame uncertainty directly impacts how your team navigates change. Here’s how to build an enduring leadership narrative that keeps people steady and engaged: 1?? Ground in What Hasn’t Changed ?? When everything feels like it's shifting, remind your team of their foundation: ? Your mission is still your mission. ? Your values still guide you. ? Your team is still in this together. ?? Try this: “While the weeks ahead may look different than expected, one thing is clear: We are still committed to [core mission]. That hasn’t changed—and won’t.” A strong True North gives people direction and something to hold onto in the midst of a storm. 2?? Narrate the Present Moment ?? Uncertainty can make people feel lost. Help them orient to what’s known, even if it’s limited. ?? Acknowledge the unknowns. “This moment brings questions, and we don’t have every answer yet.” ?? Share what’s in focus now. “For the next few weeks, we are prioritizing ___.” ?? Make space for individual needs. “How is this moment affecting you? What support do you need?” Even when the path ahead is unclear, your openness makes a difference. 3?? Connect to Purpose and Inspiration ?? When challenges arise, don’t just react—reaffirm. ?? What guiding principles will shape your path forward? ?? How can you help your team see opportunity in the challenge? ?? What shared identity can you reinforce to keep momentum? ?? Want to craft a powerful, inspiring team narrative? Use this tool to shape a story that fosters trust, resilience, and momentum. ?? Download here: https://hubs.li/Q03bv8cr0 #Leadership #Communication #NavigatingChange #LeadingElephants

?? Big changes. Tough questions. No clear answers. Leading in uncertainty is never easy—but how you show up in those first moments can set the tone for everything that follows. When the rug feels pulled out from under you—whether it’s a sudden policy shift, funding cut, or leadership transition—your team is looking to you for stability, connection, and guidance. You don’t need to have all the answers, but you do need to show up with intention. Here are four powerful ways to lead your team through the fog of uncertainty: ? Pause and Create Space – The instinct is to jump into action, but the best first move is to pause. Give your team space to process, reflect, and share their concerns. Clarity comes when we step back—not when we rush ahead. ?? Ground in an Enduring Narrative – Change may shake up the details, but your core mission can stay the same. Remind your team of the North Star that still guides you. Focus on what you do know and the next best step forward. ?? Connect – Before tackling the challenges ahead, take a moment to check in. Ask: “How are you really doing?” Creating space for connection and care fuels trust, creativity, and resilience. ?? Give Grace – Everyone carries unseen stress. A little extra patience and understanding can go a long way. Extend grace—to your team, to yourself. Ask: “What do you need right now?” and really listen to the answers you receive. Leading in uncertainty isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about holding your team steady while the path becomes clear. Clarity will come. Until then, lead with care, connection, and courage. ?? Read more in our latest blog: https://hubs.li/Q03bm2P50 #Leadership #Care #Empathy #Trust #LeadingElephants

?? When Uncertainty Hits, Check Your Compass ?? Uncertainty tends to shake everything— but it doesn’t have to rattle your values. When big changes disrupt the norm, teams look to leadership for direction and reassurance. We’ve said before: You don’t need to have all the answers. What you do need is a clear, unwavering True North—a guiding principle and/or set of values that keeps your team anchored when everything else feels in flux. Here’s how to set your leadership compass when uncertainty looms: 1?? Start with Equity ?? When things move fast, not everyone feels the impact equally. Some voices get left out. Some people carry a heavier burden. In uncertain moments, leaders must pause and ask: Who is most affected? Who needs to be part of this conversation? ? Invite diverse perspectives. The best decisions come from inclusion, not isolation. ? Check for blind spots. Who might be struggling in ways you don’t immediately see? ? Make equity a priority. Equity isn’t just a value—it’s an action. 2?? Define Your True North ?? When the path ahead is unclear, remind your team of what hasn’t changed—your mission, your core commitments, and the values that drive your work. ?? Try this: “Even in this time of uncertainty, our promise to [who you serve] remains the same. We are still committed to [core mission], and we will navigate this together.” Anchoring your team in purpose keeps the lifeblood of the team warm. When people know what matters most, they can move forward with confidence—even without all the answers. 3?? Set Values-Based Guidance ??? In challenging moments, tough choices must be made sometimes. Your team needs to understand how you’re making decisions—not just what those decisions are. ?? Define the principles guiding your choices. Transparency builds trust. ?? Clarify priorities. Not everything can be urgent—what comes first? ?? Empower your team. When people understand the values driving decisions, they can lead alongside you. In uncertainty, your True North is your greatest leadership tool. Keep it visible, stay grounded, and lead with conviction. Your team will follow. ?? Need to craft your own True North? Use this tool to map out your leadership compass and help your team align with clarity and purpose. ?? https://hubs.li/Q03bGyfX0 #Leadership #TrueNorth #Resilience #LeadingElephants

??Despite the popular narrative, leadership is more about people than it is about strategy and execution. And in times of uncertainty, people-first leadership isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential. ?? When things feel ambiguous or unstable, your team is looking to you for more than just direction—they need to know they are seen, valued, and supported. And that starts with two things: 1?? Prioritizing Care and Connection ?? In crisis, it’s easy for leadership to become predominantly transactional—solving problems, checking boxes, and keeping things moving. But when people feel like just another task on the list, engagement, trust, and motivation suffer. ?? Take a moment to step into their shoes. What does your team need right now? Clarity? Encouragement? Space to process? Small acts of care can create big shifts in how people show up and contribute. ? Make connection a habit – Regularly check in, not just on tasks, but on how people are doing. A simple “How are you, really?” can go a long way. ? Lead with empathy – A frustrated employee may be struggling with more than just work. Approach conversations with team members with curiosity before jumping to conclusions. ? Show appreciation – Recognition doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. A heartfelt “thank you” can be the boost someone needs. When you prioritize care, you don’t just build a more engaged team—you create a culture where people feel safe, supported, and motivated to give their best. 2?? Tuning in to Your Own Needs - and inviting others to practice this, too ?? The truth is you can’t pour from an empty cup. And remember, people-first leadership means caring for yourself, too! Leaders often push through exhaustion, thinking they’re being strong for their teams. But burnout doesn’t make you a better leader—it makes you a depleted one. Resilient leadership starts with taking care of yourself so you can show up fully for others. ?? What’s refueling you right now? ?? Where are you pushing through instead of pausing? ?? How can you build moments of renewal into your day? To support you in this, we’re sharing a powerful meditation designed to help you slow down, find clarity, and attune to your needs amidst the chaos. Take a few minutes for yourself—you deserve it. ??https://hubs.li/Q03bm5Wl0 Leading with heart starts with you. When you care for yourself, you create the capacity to care for others. And when care becomes the foundation of leadership, teams don’t just survive uncertainty—they grow through it. #PeopleFirst #Leadership #Resilience #SelfCare #Empathy #LeadingElephants

?? Rapid Change is the new normal. How will you lead through it? ?? So it feels like the world has turned on its axis and much of what you knew or planned has (or needs to) shifted… and now you’re fighting to hold the pieces together. We get it, we see you, and we’re proud of you for hanging in there. But before you spend the rest of the year reverting to an old, familiar way of running the show that leads to… ?????? Professional Burnout ????Frustrated and Disengagened Teams ???Damaged Relationships ????Crisis-Driven Decision Making …let us share how you can thrive as a resilient and adaptive leader. Resilient leadership isn’t simply about bouncing back or fighting to maintain control (over yourself, others, or the situation) when circumstances change. —it’s about moving forward with purpose. It’s about showing up for your people, making values-driven decisions, and finding clarity in chaos. At Leading Elephants, we believe in People-First Leadership—a framework for leading with humanity, equity, and agility, especially when uncertainty rules the day. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be sharing five grounding principles that will help you navigate uncertainty with confidence, make value-driven moves, build trust, and create a stronger, more connected team. Here’s a sneak peek: ? Principle 1: Put Humans at the Foundation When everything feels unstable, connection is the anchor. Prioritizing care for others and self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for sustainable leadership at every level. ?? Principle 2: Set Your Compass Articulating what matters most can center people in chaos. Define your True North, make decisions with equity at the center, and communicate your thinking—over and over again. ?? Principle 3: Transform Ambiguity into Clarity Uncertainty can paralyze teams. Leaders must define priorities, provide structure, and communicate transparently to help people see a path forward. ? Principle 4: Create Agile Ways of Working Old collaboration models don’t work in today’s rapidly shifting world. Iterate, adapt, and empower your team to work together in new ways. ?? Principle 5: Pull Up and Place Your Bets Progress doesn’t require a complete vision —resilient leaders make strategic, informed bets and refine them as new data emerges. This is just the beginning! Stay tuned as we break down each principle in depth in the coming weeks. Want a full breakdown of these principles right now? Download the PDF here: ?? https://hubs.li/Q03bgVCf0 ?? Your leadership can be more human, more vibrant, and more effective when you keep these grounding principles in mind. Sound off in the comments if you are leaning into any of these principles right now! Is there a particular principle you’re looking forward to learning more about? Let us know! #Leadership #Resilience #Teams #AdaptiveLeadership #LeadingElephants

??When Leadership Feels Heavy: 3 Ways to Care for Yourself in Uncertain Times Leadership in times of high-stakes ambiguity isn’t just about decision-making—it’s about carrying the weight of uncertainty while staying present for your team, your organization, and yourself. And let’s be real: that weight can feel heavy. We see you. You’re assessing risks, shoring up teams, looking ahead, reaching out—constantly balancing the immediate needs with the long game. But here’s the thing: the greatest risk isn’t making a wrong decision—it’s burning out before you even get a chance to trust your instincts. Before you push forward, consider this: What if part of your leadership responsibility is taking care of the leader—you? ?? Pause and acknowledge when you’re off center. Sometimes, just naming the hard moments gives you back the power to navigate them. ?? Explore what’s underneath your emotions. That frustration? That exhaustion? It might be pointing to an unmet need. Pay attention. ?? Make the ask. Leaders are often the ones giving—but you get to ask, too. Whether it’s space, support, or simply time to reset, claim what you need. Leadership isn’t about powering through at all costs. It’s about sustaining yourself so you can continue to show up with clarity, with energy, and with impact. Take a deep breath. Take a step back. And if you need a guide, we’ve got you. ??Read the full blog here. ?? ??https://hubs.li/Q039wXDm0 #Leadership #SelfCare #ResilientLeadership #leadingelephants

"It’s not a marathon, or a sprint; it’s a relay." ― Dr. Rola Hallam ??♀???♂? We had to take a moment to share how refreshing our recent Wellspring Conversation on Navigating Uncertainty was—it was truly a source of rejuvenation ??. We gathered in a relaxed, open space where everyone shared their stories, experiences, and some really practical tips for staying joyful in the face the unknown.?? ?? Several gems of wisdom truly resonated with our group: “Your opponents would love you to believe that it's hopeless, that you have no power, that there's no reason to act, that you can't win. Hope is a gift you don't have to surrender, a power you don't have to throw away.” ― Rebecca Solnit, Hope in the Dark ? “The future is dark,” I said. “But what if—what if this darkness is not the darkness of the tomb but the darkness of the womb?” ― Valarie Kaur ?? “Inside the word 'emergency' is 'emerge'; from an emergency new things come forth. The old certainties are crumbling fast, but danger and possibility are sisters.” ― Rebecca Solnit ?? These quotes remind us that even in the face of uncertainty, we have agency and the power to forge paths forward together. We are not only inspired, but have reaffirmed our belief that through collaboration and resilience, we can transform challenges into opportunities. ?? Many thanks to those who contributed to such a beautiful conversation. If you missed this conversation, keep an eye out for more Wellspring Conversations—we’re just getting started ??! And if you’re ready to dive deeper into how to navigate these turbulent times, registration for our upcoming event, Thriving in Uncertainty: Charting Your Course Through Turbulent Moments, on March 13th is now open ??. We hope to see you there! ?? RSVP now: https://hubs.li/Q038j61F0 #Leadership #NavigatingUncertainty #Connection #leadingelephants

??♂? / ??♀? What’s Your Action Avatar? Leading When the Unexpected Strikes ?? When uncertainty hits, leaders feel the weight of keeping momentum, meeting expectations, and adapting on the fly. Taking action often feels like leadership—but is it always the right kind of action? ?? Sometimes, our response to the unexpected is more about adhering to a familiar script than true leadership. Recognizing your action avatar can help you lead with greater clarity and impact. ? The Emotion Discharger – Acts impulsively to create movement but often leave a negative imprint on others. ??? The Control-Loving Stabilizer – Prioritizes a sense of control over adapting to complexity, leaving little room to explore challenges more deeply. ?? The Stealth Staller – Delays meaningful action, waiting for the "right" answer and instead makes inconsequential moves to maintain a sense of safety. ?? Which one resonates with you? The truth is, we all have patterns that show up when pressure mounts. Real leadership in uncertain times requires deep self-awareness—recognizing these narratives, staying present, and embracing the discomfort of the unknown. We’ll explore more on this topic at Wellspring Conversations: Navigating Uncertainty on Feb 25—a space for leaders to step back, connect, and rethink how we move through uncertainty together. ?? Join us for the conversation. ?? RSVP now: https://hubs.ly/Q037Vd350 #Leadership #NavigatingUncertainty #AdaptiveLeadership #leadingelephants

?? Join Us for Wellspring Conversations on Feb 25! This year, more than ever, we need connection. Leaders often carry the weight of uncertainty alone—but we don’t have to. ??Wellspring Conversations: Navigating Uncertainty is a space to step away from the day-to-day and see the world through each other’s eyes. Together, we’ll explore how to lead with clarity and care—even when the future feels unclear. ?? RSVP now: https://hubs.li/Q037rX0k0 #WellspringConversations #Leadership #Connection #NavigatingUncertainty #leadingelephants