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LEADING IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINT­Y

Regular communicat­ion is essential in uncertain times, contends

- Okorie MFR is a leadership developmen­t expert spanning 27 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre. www.gotni.africa.linus.okorie@gotni.africa

Uncertaint­y refers to the lack of certainty about the future. In recent years, our world has experience­d unpreceden­ted levels of uncertaint­y. From the attending consequenc­es posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the rapid advancemen­ts in technology and economic ÁXFWXDWLRQ­V WR JOREDO FRQÁLFWV OHDGHUV DFURVV various sectors are navigating these uncharted waters. In this article, we will delve into the concept of leading in times of uncertaint­y DQG RͿHU LQVLJKWV LQWR HͿHFWLYH OHDGHUVKLS strategies.

In times of uncertaint­y, maintainin­g regular communicat­ion is essential. Even if you are uncertain or don’t have enough answers, let SHRSOH NQRZ EHFDXVH LI \RX GRQ·W ÀOO LQ WKH informatio­n gap, your people will. It should EH QR VXUSULVH WKDW LQ WKH DEVHQFH RI HͿHFWLYH communicat­ion, people will develop their conclusion­s, often drawing on rumors and speculatio­ns.

In this light, it is important to understand LW LV HTXDOO\ HͿHFWLYH WR FRPPXQLFDW­H ZKDW is unknown as it is to communicat­e what is known. Leaders often delay communicat­ing with their teams because no decision or course of action has been made, but simply communicat­ing a decision still under review LV PRUH HͿHFWLYH WKDQ OHDYLQJ HPSOR\HHV guessing. Likewise, remember that communicat­ion is as much about listening as it is speaking. Giving people the opportunit­y to express their concerns can help leaders better understand where worry is coming from, and

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In the face of uncertaint­y, courage is vital for transforma­tional leadership. As aptly stated in the Army Leadership Manual, "Courage isn't the absence of fear; rather, it's the ability to put fear aside and do what is necessary." In the context of leadership during uncertain times, courage is not about fearlessne­ss. It acknowledg­es the existence of fear but emphasizes the capacity to set it aside to take essential actions.

Uncertaint­y may demand tough decisions WKDW DͿHFW WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ DQG LWV PHPEHUV Courageous leaders confront these decisions head-on, considerin­g the greater good and sustainabi­lity of the team. They understand that avoiding tough choices can lead to stagnation or decline.

Leading with courage involves inspiring others to face challenges with resilience. By demonstrat­ing a fearless approach to uncertaint­y, leaders motivate their teams to persevere, innovate, and contribute their best

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In times of uncertaint­y, the ability to adapt and thrive hinges on a leader's commitment to continuous learning. Embracing a culture of lifelong learning is not just a strategy; it's a IXQGDPHQWD­O QHFHVVLW\ IRU HͿHFWLYH OHDGHUVKLS in the face of unpredicta­bility. Leaders who prioritize learning can draw from a diverse range of experience­s and insights, enabling them to make informed and strategic decisions even in the absence of complete informatio­n.

Additional­ly, leaders who value continuous learning set a powerful example for their teams. When team members observe their leader actively seeking knowledge, they are more likely to embrace a similar mindset. This creates a culture of growth and adaptabili­ty within the organizati­on, essential for navigating uncertaint­ies together. By championin­g a commitment to ongoing learning, leaders not only enhance their capabiliti­es but also fortify their teams and organizati­ons to thrive amidst the challenges.

Navigating through times of uncertaint­y requires leaders to embody and instill resilience—a key strategy that not only helps weather the storm but also fosters strength, adaptabili­ty, and growth within the team and organizati­on. Resilience enables leaders to embrace change with an open mindset. In uncertain times, shifts in the business landscape are inevitable. Leaders should exhibit resilience and inspire their teams to adapt to change, viewing it as an opportunit­y for learning and growth rather than a hindrance.

Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from setbacks. Resilient leaders shouldn't view challenges as insurmount­able obstacles but as temporary hurdles. By demonstrat­ing a positive and solution-oriented mindset, leaders inspire their teams to overcome setbacks and persevere in the face of adversity.

(ͿHFWLYHO\ PDQDJLQJ ULVNV LV D SLYRWDO strategy for leaders navigating these unpredicta­ble times of uncertaint­y. By incorporat­ing risk management into their strategic planning, leaders can safeguard their organizati­ons and guide their teams through challengin­g times.

Leaders must be proactive, not reactive in identifyin­g potential risks. This involves a thorough analysis of the external environmen­t, market trends, and potential disruption­s. By thinking and staying ahead of emerging risks, leaders can develop preemptive strategies to mitigate their impact.

Leaders can enhance their ability to manage risks by also engaging in scenario planning. This strategic exercise involves envisionin­g multiple potential future scenarios and developing correspond­ing response plans. By preparing for a range of outcomes, leaders empower their teams to respond swiftly and HͿHFWLYHO\ WR XQIRUHVHHQ FKDOOHQJHV

Maintainin­g a strategic vision is a crucial strategy for leaders navigating the seasons of uncertaint­y. In the face of unpredicta­bility, a steadfast vision provides a guiding light, helping leaders steer their organizati­ons toward long-term success. Leaders with a clear vision are better equipped to make decisions that align with the organizati­on's overarchin­g goals. This ensures that even amid ambiguity, actions are purposeful and contribute to the strategic direction.

This is a pivotal strategy for leaders navigating through the unpredicta­ble landscape of uncertaint­y. While challenges may be inherent during uncertain times, astute leaders recognize that opportunit­ies also abound. Embracing and leveraging these opportunit­ies strategica­lly can not only help organizati­ons weather the storm but also position them for growth and success.

Leaders must be quick to identify changing market dynamics, emerging trends, or gaps in the competitio­n and are adept at adjusting strategies to exploit these openings. This enables organizati­ons to stay ahead of the curve, even in uncertain environmen­ts.

Leaders who recognize the potential of technology and invest strategica­lly can position their organizati­ons to thrive amid uncertaint­y. This may include adopting emerging technologi­es, enhancing digital capabiliti­es, or streamlini­ng operations through automation.

Leaders who capitalize on opportunit­ies learn from adversity. Every challenge presents lessons that can be applied to future situations. By cultivatin­g a culture of learning and resilience within the organizati­on, leaders ensure that the team is equipped to identify and capitalize on opportunit­ies that arise during times of uncertaint­y.

Focusing on core values emerges as a foundation­al strategy for leaders steering their organizati­ons through times of uncertaint­y. Core values serve as guiding principles, providing a moral compass for decisionma­king and a source of stability for teams. Leaders who prioritize and reinforce these values during uncertain times create a stable foundation. This emphasis on core values provides a consistent framework for decisionma­king and actions, fostering a resilient organizati­onal culture.

Uncertain times often bring about rapid changes. Core values provide a stable IRXQGDWLRQ RͿHULQJ D VHQVH RI FRQWLQXLW\ amidst external disruption­s. Leaders who consistent­ly emphasize and embody these values help create a reassuring environmen­t, fostering a sense of security and purpose within the organizati­on.

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