Uncertainty can take the shape of loss, illness, unexpected circumstances, unforeseen natural disasters, and now, global pandemics.  No matter the shape of the uncertainty, they all have one thing in common.  They are uncomfortable, unpredictable, and the not knowing the outcome can be unsettling, unnerving, and sometimes lead to a sense of fear and anxiety.

In these times business leaders are being called upon to be role-models, make tough and sometimes unpopular decisions, and during this pandemic, to offer comfort to those around them.  How can we as leaders live up to these expectations and move a company and its employees through uncertainty while making confident decisions, and also providing comfort to those around us?

It’s important to keep in mind that uncertainty at the level we are globally facing is challenging even to the most resilient among us.  Though there is no uncertainty that quite compares to our current health and humanitarian crisis, over the years I have experienced something that feels a little like this sense of uncertainty and would like to share a few things that I’ve picked up along the way.

When I was 15 my dad died suddenly of unknown causes.  Never confirming what he died from had me move through uncertainty at an early age.  As this ripped the foundation out from under me, I was left to find meaning in his life, as well as move on with mine.  Yet it never prepared me for the uncertainty of my mom’s ovarian cancer diagnosis and 9-month battle for her life.  And neither prepared me for my sister’s 2 ½ year battle with cervical cancer. 

During all of these events I discovered something I call the “in between times”, times of “what is happening”, “what is going to happen”,” how and when is this going to end?”, “what if”, “what can I do”?  In between times were the WORST!  And they’ve almost gotten the best of me more than once.  

The truth is, sometimes we just don’t have certainty.  No matter how long or how many times I have spent in the “in between”, I have never discovered a way to avoid it.  It is a bridge to something else. 

Be in it to get through it

The most important thing I’ve learned about leading through uncertainty is that we have to be in it to get through it.  Accepting what is, which also means accepting what we cannot change and what we cannot control.  

During cancer battles, though I often tried, I could not change the circumstances.  I tried by blaming the doctor, researching a cure, following a course of treatment and tracking results.  Then all I wanted to do was help.  What can I DO—cook, clean, shop, entertain, organize.  I’ve seen this same tendency during this pandemic. Help our health care workers, bake bread, clean and re-organize the house, get everyone set up to work at home… 

What mattered most to both my mom and my sister was just being with them.  Spending quality time laughing, sometimes crying, finding joyful moments in the midst of uncertainty, and giving them the gift of time and presence.

Using this time to be productive is great.  How can we also take this time to build relationships with colleagues, coworkers, teammates, those we work with?  Whether you are working virtually or in person, can you take a few minutes each day to connect?  Check in, ask about the weekend?  Take the time to let others know you care, you understand, and maybe even sharing your own challenges or anecdotes during these uncertain times.  By acknowledging your feelings, you are validating those who share similar feelings of discomfort.