The Only Certainty is More Uncertainty: A Leader's Reality

I thought last week's article, Finding Solid Ground: How Gratitude Transforms Uncertainty , was enough. Uncertainty has been a common topic in conversations this week, and many people hope it will end with Election Day in the US.

That's when I realized another article was needed.

By day's end we may, or may not, know who the 47th President of the US will be. And even if we do, please don't think that will settle all the uncertainty swirling around us.

It won't.

Waiting for all uncertainties to clear before making decisions is like expecting the ocean to be calm before sailing—it's just not realistic. But it would be nice!

Uncertainty isn't a temporary phase we pass through - it's a constant companion.

The truth is, uncertainty has become our new normal. While elections capture our attention and dominate headlines, they're just one thread in a complex tapestry of uncertainties that leaders navigate daily.

The Daily Dance with Uncertainty

Today's leaders face a cascade of uncertainties daily:

• Market shifts - From sudden economic swings to emerging competitive threats
• Supply chain disruptions - When "business as usual" becomes anything but usual
• Global conflicts - Creating butterfly effects that ripple through economies and communities
• Talent dynamics - The evolving nature of work and workforce expectations
• Rapid technology evolution - Rapid innovations like AI that transform entire industries overnight
• Competitive pressures - New players and business models reshaping markets
• Strategic pivots - The constant need to adapt and realign
• Team transitions - Managing through organizational changes and cultural shifts

The most effective leaders I know have stopped waiting for uncertainty to pass. Instead, they've developed the capacity to thrive within it.

What Seasoned Leaders Remember

1. Uncertainty Isn't a Bug - It's a Feature. The goal isn't to eliminate uncertainty (you can't) but to build your capacity to navigate it. This means developing both personal resilience and organizational adaptability.
2. Your People Are Watching. How you handle uncertainty sets the tone. When you maintain perspective and stay grounded, your team feels more secure exploring uncharted territory.
3. Tools Matter. The best leaders have developed a toolkit for uncertainty navigation. Gratitude, for instance, isn't just a nice-to-have - it's a powerful lens for maintaining perspective and building resilience.
4. Some Things Must Remain Constant. While circumstances change and global events create ripple effects across organizations, certain anchors should stay firm.

Here's a shortlist of those anchors. Last week's post went deeper into this topic.

• Core values - You must have a north star to guide your decisions.
• Communication rhythms - Communicate more than usual -- regular touchpoints that provide stability.
• Key relationships - Have a circle of people you trust and communicate with...frequently.
• Decision-making principles - Use consistent frameworks for navigating complexity
• Appreciation practices - Double down on letting people know you see, value, and appreciate them.

Join the Conversation: A Research Initiative

This fascinating intersection of leading change and navigating uncertainty has captured my attention.

What separates leaders who thrive in uncertainty from those who merely survive it?

That's why I'm launching a focused research project exploring exactly this question. I'm seeking leaders who have experience navigating significant organizational change to share their insights.

If you've led through major transitions, pivots, or transformations, I'd love to hear your story. What worked? What didn't? What tools proved most valuable?

DM me if you'd like to contribute to this important conversation through a 45-minute discussion.

Because here's what I know for sure: While today's election results may or may not be clear by day's end, uncertainty will remain our constant companion.

The question isn't if you'll face more uncertainty - it's how you'll lead through it.

Your turn: What's your most effective tool for navigating uncertainty? I'm eager to read what you have to share in the comments below.