Leading Through Uncertainty

Questions I'm asking after a contentious election.

I couldn’t sleep Tuesday morning, so I started to write in the hour before most polls opened. I didn’t know what the outcome would be. In that place of uncertainty, I asked myself, What do I need to hear? 

Below is some of what I wrote. Maybe it speaks to you this week. Maybe it doesn’t, but you can tuck the insight away for a time when you feel uncertain. 

“Your panic isn’t helping anyone, Amber”

Tuesday’s meditation from the Center for Action and Contemplation quoted Rev. Barbara Holmes, “although we may panic in times of stress and distress, God does not share our panic.”

Whether or not you believe in God, I have learned through leadership experience that good leaders avoid panic because panic is contagious and is not productive. It just keeps us stuck.

In 2007, I managed a team responsible for hundreds of charity runners in the Chicago marathon. Temperatures soared that October day; there wasn’t enough water or cooling stations. One runner, not on our team, died. The race organizers eventually closed the race. 

We hadn’t planned for that scenario. We weren’t getting consistent information. We had no way of getting our runners back to our base. And we were hot—miserably so. 

I panicked, letting the frantic emotions take over. Those emotions are contagious—others felt it in me and began to reflect it themselves.

“Your panic isn’t helping anyone,” a colleague spat at me. It was tough feedback, but I needed to hear it. I still do sometimes.

Sunrise at the park near my home.

Panic won’t help anyone this week, or next month, or next year. 

I’m not telling you to ignore your emotions. Emotions are important signals to us; they get our attention and remind us that whatever is going on really does matter. But we are responsible for what we do with that emotion—and panic won’t move you forward.

Don’t try to lead while you feel panic. Treat yourself tenderly, give yourself some space. All feelings are temporary, including panic. 

Panic tries to forecast the future and tell you only bad things are ahead. It causes tunnel vision that only allows you to see threats. It’s contagious and it breeds despair. 

Move past the panic by noticing what’s beyond the immediate moment. Notice what else is in your life besides the uncertainty. Remember the strong stuff you’re made of, and how you’ve navigated through tough times in the past. 

When the panic has passed, let yourself feel your other emotions. Lament often comes before action. 

Then act.

Here are some questions that may be helpful to ask:

• Can I name the predominant emotion I’m feeling right now?

• What space and grace do I need for myself to lead healthily?

• Where am I seeing signs of progress and how can I invest there?

• How do I organize for the long term?

• Where is my community now?

• Who needs my support now?

• What’s next?

Bonus Question

That’s enough questions for one week, don’t you think?

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