Leadership in Times of Uncertainty: Cultivating Trust and Purpose in Your Organization

As we face another moment of worldwide uncertainty, with the recent U.S. elections and global challenges on the rise, leadership is in the spotlight like never before. At elm, we believe that leadership goes beyond big decisions and grand gestures. Instead, it lives in everyday interactions that shape an organization's cultural landscape—actions that create trust, foster open communication, and align team and individual behaviors with shared values.

Why Leadership Matters Now More Than Ever

In times of uncertainty, employees turn to their leaders for stability, direction, and reassurance. While leadership ideals differ across cultural and individual perspectives, there is one unifying truth: employees increasingly trust their managers and organizations more than they trust government institutions. According to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in businesses is now stronger than trust in political leadership—62% trust businesses, compared to only 51% trusting governments, presenting an 11-point trust gap globally. Moreover, the worldwide polarization extends into the workplace, where only 20% of people are willing to work alongside someone with differing views. This underscores the urgent need for leaders to foster inclusivity and bridge divides.

The quality and style of leadership in organizations,?and specifically the leadership competencies of direct supervisors,?is a pivotal element in how employees feel supported and secure in uncertain times.

Navigating Diverse Leadership Expectations

During an election year, differing visions of leadership are on full display. Some people lean toward leaders who exhibit bold, decisive action, while others prioritize empathy and inclusiveness. These differences can mirror our workplaces, where employees bring varying expectations about leadership style. One of the best things a leader can do in this context is to understand the values and needs of their team members, seeking to build a culture that recognizes different perspectives while aligning with core company values.

By fostering open dialogues around these ideals, leaders can help their teams feel valued and understood, promoting a sense of belonging that transcends personal views and helps unify people around shared organizational goals.

Building Trust in Your Team

Trust is not only an antidote to anxiety in uncertain times but also the foundation of sustainable organizational culture. Employees need to know their leaders are transparent, ethical, and committed to doing what’s right for both the team and the larger mission. At elm, we encourage leaders to take small but consistent actions that build trust within their teams. This might mean holding regular one-on-one meetings to listen to employees' concerns, being transparent about business decisions, and recognizing team members' contributions in ways that are meaningful to them.

Everyday Leadership: How Small Actions Create Big Impacts

Leadership is not just about strategy and results—it's also about the everyday interactions that shape team dynamics. When managers make an effort to connect authentically, show empathy, and communicate with clarity, it creates a ripple effect across the organization. These small actions define how employees feel about their workplace and, ultimately, how they engage with their work.

For example, consider a team facing a stressful project deadline. A leader who takes a few minutes to check in with each team member, acknowledging their effort and sharing encouragement, can boost morale and resilience in a way that directives alone never could. It's these human interactions that help employees feel respected and valued, cultivating a workplace culture that is resilient, adaptive, and united—even in times of external uncertainty.

Looking Forward: The Future of Leadership in a Changing World

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the role of leaders in creating a stable, trusting environment will only grow more critical. When employees feel secure in their workplace, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to their roles, engage meaningfully, and collaborate toward shared goals. In a world where trust in institutions is waning, business leaders have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to step into the void by fostering trust and modeling the kind of leadership that can inspire confidence.

At elm, we’re committed to helping organizations build this kind of leadership culture. By focusing on everyday actions and fostering strong, trust-based relationships, leaders can create a powerful, positive impact that resonates far beyond the workplace.