Without a Crystal Ball

As #pharmacists, one of our biggest fears is the unknown.

We want the playbook.

The checklist.

The roadmap.

Give us the rules, and we will play by them.

In the midst of uncertain times, none of the above may be available or relevant.

It's hard to say what will happen in the future without a crystal ball.

Leaders have the power to bring comfort and confidence to ourselves and those around us during times of uncertainty. Here are 3 key principles to consider:

1?? Communicate openly: Share information transparently, acknowledging the unknowns while highlighting steps being taken to gather insight. These steps contribute to building trust and helping to unify the team.

2?? Demonstrate empathy and support: Address the anxieties that uncertainty can create. Create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Ask others what would be most helpful to support them. Provide reassurance while acknowledging the discomfort of the unknown.

3?? Embrace continuous learning: Invest in personal and team development, staying informed and adapting to change. Be proactive in an ever-evolving landscape. Reviewing the principles of change management can be a helpful reminder that 1) the only constant is change 2) acknowledge the stage of change your team is in and 3) normalize the challenges of managing change.

Let's channel our skills to navigate these uncertain times with confidence and find opportunities in the disruption that change can cause.

While we can't predict the future, we can help to shape it.

Share your strategies for embracing uncertainty and leading with confidence in the comments below.

Helpful articles I found on Change Management:

Change Management: The Eight Basic Principles

The Principles of Change Management

Change Management Principles Every Leader Should Follow