Field Notes

Uncertain times create stress and anxiety for everyone impacted by an unpredictable future. The challenge for leaders is to communicate with confidence and honesty while downplaying their own fears and predictions about what might transpire.It’s easy to come off as inauthentic and manipulative when explaining where things stand to team members. To avoid appearing guarded, smug, or less than forthright, the best leaders follow a six-part recipe, each with a distinctive message. 

1. This is what we know right now. Don’t sugarcoat or protect people from the truth. Tell them exactly where things stand with what we know at the moment. 
2. This is what we don’t know. Team members will always wonder if the leader is holding back or protecting them from critical information. By telling people what isn’t known, leaders reassure them this isn’t the case. 
3. Here is my commitment to you going forward. Strong leaders publicly declare they will share what they learn as soon as they learn it. While there may be times and situations where this commitment is impractical or impossible, it is still important to express to the team when and what you will communicate going forward.
4. This is what I would like you to do. Good leaders refuse to allow the uncertainty to paralyze the team. They know asking for a specific action from team members helps to alleviate anxiety and focuses their attention on what they do control.
5. Now is the perfect time to ask questions. Encouraging questions is an essential step and this is the ideal moment to engage them. Don’t worry if you don’t have answers. The point is to allow everyone to explore what is on their minds. 
6. Thank you for your confidence and trust. Ending with appreciation is always a good idea. Expressing your gratitude for listening and believing cements the honesty and openness you are striving for. 

Uncertainty is difficult for everyone. Leaders who make the choice to communicate openly with the team are typically rewarded with credibility and trust. Uncertain times are uncomfortable times. Leaders make those moments better.