Leading through uncertainty is the new normal. There is no question that the world feels unstable in 2025. Geopolitical tensions threaten to impact everything from energy costs to supply chains. Societal trust continues to erode as an increasing sense of grievance rises across the globe. And the next generation of potential managers shows little interest in taking on that mantle, in part because they don’t want to experience the same pressures their current bosses endure.
Understandably, many leaders are approaching burnout. Dealing with persistent instability and uncertainty can make even the best position in the world feel overwhelming. But while some uncertainty is part of any leadership role, burnout doesn’t have to be.
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How to Stay Centered While Leading Through Uncertainty
1. Anchor Your Team With Clarity
When uncertainty intrudes on regular business operations, you and your team might feel unmoored by circumstances and unsure of what to do next. Clarity can be a powerful anchor in such an environment. Even when the world isn’t providing definitive answers, leaders can evaluate what they know, focus on tasks that make sense, and reinforce the team’s purpose.
Clarity based on transparency and openness can contribute to a sense of trust with your team, which will help all of you weather uncertainty without burnout. When teams know they can rely on each other and their bosses in an environment of psychological safety, they will likely feel more settled and able to focus on their roles and responsibilities.
It’s possible that you could be in a situation where your team doesn’t have a lot of trust. Perhaps you’ve just replaced a beloved boss, and the team doesn’t know you well yet. Or maybe the company has been through some general upheaval that’s eroded trust around the organization—a round of layoffs, possibly, or a difficult merger. Focus on building trust and remaining transparent and clear.
2. Model Calm Under Pressure
Managing emotions is a huge part of your executive presence and influence, especially during uncertain times. If you are steady and calm, you will pass that sense of resilience to the rest of your team. But if you default to toxic, harmful, controlling behaviors or words when under pressure, your whole team could break down.
To stay calm during uncertainty, start by setting ground rules for yourself. It can help you decide and regularly remind yourself that you will not raise your voice, lose your temper, or use toxic language. Post a note on your desk to remind yourself of your rule.
When something unexpected happens, start with a pause. Take several deep breaths; in fact, your leadership can probably benefit from several breaks for deep breathing throughout the day. Ask yourself, “Is this situation one I can control?” If so, carefully consider what next steps, if any, are appropriate. If not, communicate with your team and let others handle the situation.
3. Prioritize One Thing at a Time
Contrary to persistent belief, the human brain is not wired for multitasking. In fact, IBM coined the term “multitasking” to refer to computer capabilities in 1965! While one could argue that our brains are extremely sophisticated computers, we are certainly more complicated than wires and circuits. When we’re trying to do multiple things under pressure while also holding anxiety or stress in the background, we can rapidly lose energy.
Take control of your calendar and activities as much as possible by prioritizing your day. The Eisenhower Matrix can help you determine where to focus your efforts. Try to arrange your day for maximum advantage by managing your energy. If you know you are sharper or more conversational in the mornings, book calls and meetings first thing. If you know your brain prefers deep work in the afternoons, block time on your calendar for projects that need deep focus.
Finally, remember that there are a vast number of things in the world that are out of your control, and working excessive hours or spending your nights and weekends worrying about matters you can’t control will only burn you out faster. As much as possible, leave work at work and spend your off hours engaging in activities that promote your wellbeing.
Burnout is a real issue, and leaders confronting an unstable world are certainly at higher risk of it than those operating in relative stability. But even when the world feels like it’s spinning off its axis, providing clarity, managing emotions, and taking things one task at a time can help you and your team get through it all with your productivity and wellbeing intact.
Self-check:
- What’s one message your team needs to hear from you this week?
- Is there one issue you can’t seem to leave at work? Is it something you can control? If not, how can you better manage your concerns?
- Is there one activity you can incorporate into your routines to help manage your stress? Or one activity you can stop to improve your wellbeing?
