Leading through change: 4 strategies for navigating uncertainty
‘It is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the one that is able to adapt to and to adjust best to the changing environment in which it finds itself.’- Charles Darwin
The ongoing impact of the pandemic continues to reverberate across the globe. Coupled with the phenomenon of the Great Resignation, the skills shortage, and the growing trend of organisations adopting a Hybrid Working Model, it is hardly surprising that many leaders are seeking assistance with how to navigate and manage change effectively.
In these times of unprecedented uncertainty and disruption, it is imperative that leaders focus on their core skills and competencies to demonstrate their ability to lead and manage through major change.
1. Adopt an agile approach
Organisations that want to succeed need to exhibit a high level of agility, ready to overcome resistance to change and uncertainty while embracing new opportunities and implementing new and improved ideas. There are five key drivers of agile leadership: integrity, innovation, urgency, engagement, and direction. Agile leaders are reliable, and trustworthy, and exhibit a natural curiosity about their environment. They bring focus to the organisation by establishing challenging goals, making decisions quickly with imperfect data, and creating engagement across the organisation.
The benefits of leadership agility are numerous. Agile leaders can help organisations adapt to change more quickly and effectively, stay ahead of the competition, and build strong, cohesive teams. On the other hand, the risks of not being agile can be severe. Less agile leaders may struggle to retain top talent, as employees may seek out more dynamic and innovative work environments. Leaders who lack agility may also find themselves struggling to navigate complex business conversations or address unforeseen challenges effectively.
2. Communicate effectively
To address the fear and uncertainty that arises from change, it is essential to increase levels of communication and provide regular updates on progress. Leaders also need to seek feedback from team members to ensure they understand their needs and concerns and respond as necessary. To continue to inspire and motivate their teams, it is essential to show authority and confidence in defining new directions with specific goals.
When addressing uncertainty and change, it is important to show enthusiasm and positivity, whilst being commanding and pacesetting. This approach can help allay fears, provide strong direction, drive and implement necessary changes, motivate teams, and create short-term stability. Keeping employees informed by providing regular updates, even when there is no new information, can help alleviate anxiety and uncertainty. It is also essential to create context so that team members can understand the issues and decisions that led to the current situation. By explaining the reasoning behind difficult decisions, such as mergers or layoffs, leaders can help employees feel more connected to the organisation and build trust in their leadership.
3. Be proactive
A proactive approach involves identifying opportunities for growth and innovation and capitalising on them to create a competitive advantage. Being a proactive leader means taking a forward-thinking approach to leadership, anticipating and addressing potential challenges before they arise. They don't wait for problems to occur before taking action; instead, they take the initiative to create positive change. Proactive leaders are strategic in their thinking and planning, setting goals and objectives that align with the company's overall mission and vision. They are also skilled at identifying opportunities for growth and development both for themselves and their team members. By taking a proactive approach to leadership, these leaders can create a culture of continuous improvement, helping their organisation stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing circumstances.
Proactive leaders recognise the importance of agility and adaptability in responding to changes in the environment of the organisation. By staying ahead of the curve, proactive leaders can navigate change successfully and help their organisations thrive in the face of adversity.
4. Accommodate employee’s needs
Leadership is not just about providing direction and making decisions; it also involves taking inventory of employees’ needs and accommodating those where possible. Accommodating employees' needs means taking the time to understand the unique requirements and perspectives of each employee and creating an environment in which they can thrive. This could involve offering flexible working arrangements, providing training and development opportunities, or simply being accessible to listen and provide support when necessary.
Accommodating employees' needs necessitates empathy and a willingness to adjust your leadership style to suit the needs of the individuals you are working with. By doing so, you can foster a culture of respect and trust, resulting in a more productive and engaged workforce.
As economic and political uncertainty persists, leaders are being forced to become even more proactive, seize the initiative, and be highly innovative to survive and embrace upcoming changes. It is essential to develop a culture of innovation and flexibility to adapt to changes as they arise, including implementing new processes, technologies, and communication strategies to maintain team engagement and productivity. Effective leadership during times of change can help organisations navigate uncertainty successfully and emerge stronger on the other side.
Ultimately, successful leaders demonstrate authentic, collaborative leadership, leading from the front and by example, in order to drive through necessary changes with a potentially unsettled workforce.
At Acumen, we pride ourselves in offering training and development that gives managers practical tools to help solve real-life challenges. We offer an extensive menu of courses, workshops, and coaching programmes, ranging from communication skills to executive leadership development. In most cases, we design the interventions specifically for each client, but we also offer a wide range of off-the-shelf programmes for those who prefer this approach. For more information about our programmes please contact Simon at simon@askacumen.com.