Leading Through Chaos; Navigating the Unpredictable with Confidence
Mar 25, 2025
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that uncertainty isn’t going away. Economic shifts, political turmoil, technological disruptions—leaders today are steering their organizations through stormy waters with no clear map of what’s ahead. So, how do you plan for the future when the future is unknowable? The answer lies in resilience, adaptability, and intentional leadership.
I spent some time out of town last week working with colleagues from across the country and after a long day of strategy friends gathered in the hotel lobby. That conversation led to today’s blog. Thanks for the great suggestion, Lori. The research for this one sure is timely.
Embrace the Chaos—But Lead with Clarity
I struggled to decide how to dive into this one but had to go with advice from the man who’s written more leadership books than anyone. He’s taught me much of what I know about the topic. John Maxwell says, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” But what if the way forward is completely uncharted? Like our current situation. In his book The Ride of a Lifetime, Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasizes the importance of making clear decisions even when the path ahead is uncertain. Leaders must act with confidence, even when they don’t have all the answers. The key is to provide clarity where you can—establishing clear values, priorities, and communication channels that create stability for our teams.
Plan for Multiple Futures
Instead of trying to predict the future, McKinsey & Company suggests scenario planning—a strategy used by top organizations to prepare for multiple possibilities. Rather than betting everything on one expected outcome, leaders should create flexible plans that allow for adaptation. Jim Collins, author of Great by Choice, calls this strategy “productive paranoia”—always preparing for the unexpected while maintaining an unwavering vision.
Make Agility Your Superpower
Agile leadership isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Harvard Business Review points out that the most successful leaders in turbulent times foster cultures of adaptability. This means empowering teams to make quick decisions, encouraging experimentation, and rewarding innovation. As General Stanley McChrystal writes in Team of Teams, leaders today must shift from a command-and-control mindset to one that thrives on decentralized decision-making. I’ve got to say this one makes me twitch. We can’t just let our teams do whatever they want. We’ll end up going in a million different directions getting nowhere. I prefer a strong leadership team strategy where everyone knows the destination but has the freedom to explore different paths to get there.
Communicate with Radical Transparency
When uncertainty looms, silence breeds fear. Brené Brown, in Dare to Lead, underscores the power of vulnerability in leadership. Being transparent—admitting what you know, what you don’t, and how you plan to move forward—builds trust and loyalty within teams. Simon Sinek adds to this in Leaders Eat Last, noting that employees feel safer and more committed when leaders prioritize honesty and human connection over blind optimism.
Lead with Resilience and Optimism
Times of chaos separate good leaders from great ones. Angela Duckworth, in Grit, explains that resilience—the ability to persevere through difficulty—is the defining characteristic of high achievers. Leaders who cultivate resilience in themselves and their teams' foster cultures of perseverance, even in the face of adversity.
As Maya Angelou wisely said, “I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.” In uncertain times, leaders must embrace change, remain steady in their purpose, and inspire those around them to do the same. The future may be unpredictable, but with resilience, clarity, and adaptability, leaders can turn chaos into opportunity.