As British Columbians prepare to vote on October 19th, public sector organizations are gearing up for possible changes in political direction. Elections can bring shifts in policies, structures, and funding priorities, profoundly impacting how organizations like Ministries and Crown Corporations operate. In these moments, leading through uncertainty is more important than ever.
Effective leadership is about more than maintaining stability. It’s about guiding your team through change with clarity, confidence, and empathy. At Berlineaton, we’ve spent over 28 years helping leaders navigate complex challenges. This blog shares some proven strategies to help leaders thrive during uncertain times, enabling their organizations to emerge more robust and resilient.
Why Is Change So Hard?
Let’s explore why change can feel tough before diving into strategies for leading through uncertainty. In her Harvard Business Review article, consultant Erika Andersen explains that humans are wired to resist change because our lives have followed predictable patterns for most of history. Change was seen as a disruption and often viewed as a threat.
As leaders, we must recognize this hardwiring and reframe our approach to change. Your role is to help your team overcome their natural resistance and make them feel more open and comfortable with change. Let’s dive into how you can lead through uncertainty with confidence and clarity.
Seeing Change as a Transition, Not a Destination
Change isn’t just about reaching a new outcome; it’s a journey. Traditional change management approaches, while valuable, often need to pay more attention to the psychological transitions individuals go through during change. One of the best ways to lead through uncertainty is to see change as a transition, not just a shift in conditions. William Bridges’ Transition Model highlights three stages of change: Endings, The Neutral Zone, and New Beginnings. To help lead through uncertainty, leaders need to support their teams through each stage:
- Endings: Change starts when people let go of the old way. This can be difficult, as it involves processing loss. As a leader, you can help by listening empathetically and offering a clear vision.
- The Neutral Zone: This phase occurs when the old way is gone, but the new hasn’t fully taken shape. It’s a time of uncertainty, where people are figuring out their new roles. Some will feel anxious, while others might feel excited. As a leader, frequent communication—even when you don’t have all the answers—is critical to leading through uncertainty in this phase
- New Beginnings: People will start embracing the new way forward once the team has adjusted. This stage is marked by renewed energy and purpose. As a leader, celebrate successes, reinforce the vision, and support those needing extra reassurance.
Communication is Key
Effective communication is the cornerstone of leading through uncertainty. People want to know what’s changing, why it’s happening, and—most importantly—how it affects them. Clear, consistent communication helps your team feel grounded and supported.
At Berlineaton, we use the Change Communication Matrix tool to guide clients through these conversations. The Matrix ensures that you tailor your communication to meet the needs of different groups, whether they’re hesitant about change or excited about what’s to come. Here are four steps for effective communication during times of change:
- Create urgency and explain why the change is necessary. This helps people who are resistant to leaving the status quo.
- Paint a picture of the future and describe the change strategy. This will help those who are eager for new possibilities join the team.
- Acknowledge concerns and explain how you’ll address them. People want to know how any perceived downsides will be managed.
- Honor the past and highlight what’s staying the same. This reassures those who feel comfortable with the current state.
Remember, it’s better to over-communicate than to under-communicate. Keeping your team in the loop builds trust even if you don’t have all the answers. Leading through uncertainty means being open, honest, and present.
Team Performance During Uncertainty
Teams naturally go through stages of development—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning—especially in times of change. It’s important to remember that even high-performing teams may temporarily revert to earlier stages when uncertain.
During these stages, there may be disagreements or confusion, and some team members might disengage. As a leader, you must help your team regain focus and move forward by providing clarity, responding to concerns, and addressing conflicts.
Redefining goals, clarifying roles, and providing support are essential to helping your team progress. Listening carefully to your team’s concerns and addressing any sources of confusion will help them regain momentum.
At Berlineaton, we use tools like team charters to help teams realign during uncertain times. These charters outline goals, roles, and responsibilities, helping teams navigate changes smoothly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Uncertainty is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be destabilizing. With exemplary leadership strategies, you can help your organization emerge more resilient and capable of thriving in the face of future challenges.
By guiding your team through the psychological transitions of change, maintaining open communication, and supporting them at each stage, you can turn uncertainty into an opportunity to strengthen your team and organization. Leading through uncertainty doesn’t mean doing it alone—use practical tools and strategies to keep your team moving forward. To learn more about how Berlineaton can support your team during change, visit www.berlineaton.com.
Cathryn Chase is a Senior Consultant at Berlineaton, specializing in helping public sector organizations facilitate collaborative problem-solving and drive process improvements. Passionate about making a difference, she aims to leave teams equipped to sustain progress long after her work is done. Outside the office, she is an avid swimmer and loves spending time outside with her dog, Clyde and husband, Sander.
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