Leading Through Uncertainty: Strategies for Successful Leadership

In today’s higher education and nonprofit sectors, uncertainty is certain. Amid shifting societal expectations, jarring political developments, difficult funding realities, and more, leaders face constant challenges. While no leader can predict the future, great leaders know how to navigate change with confidence—and inspire their teams to do the same.

Which is why executive coaching isn’t a luxury—it’s an investment in your leadership and your team’s potential. In hard times, effective leaders prioritize communication and trust-building—the very skills an executive coach can help strengthen. Use these skills consistently, and your team will be ready to meet even the hardest challenges with clarity and resolve.

Here are three strategies for successful leadership that can help you show up more effectively, support your team with clarity, and emerge from challenges even stronger:

1. Communicate constantly, clearly, and with care.

   During worrisome times, information gaps breed anxiety, as team members fill in the blanks with fear, doubt, or grim scenarios—because human brains are wired to anticipate the worst. Strong leaders know, though, that even when the news is hard to share, sharing it is better than silence. Communicating into the voids builds team trust.

   But another kind of silence often backfires too: not recognizing people’s efforts. Expressing gratitude—whether for everyday work or for going above and beyond—is especially critical when the stress is severe. That might mean voicing your confidence in someone’s abilities even if they don’t see it themselves. Or it might mean simply reminding your team that there is a way through the tough times.

   Of course, leaders are often just as taxed during difficult moments as their teams.

   That’s why having the support of an executive coach can help you not only lead through difficulty but also grow stronger because of it.

   An executive coach can help you:

   • Offer steady, honest reassurance that keeps your team grounded.

   • Recognize and affirm strengths in others—especially when morale is low.

   • Build proactive communication habits that reduce anxiety and foster alignment.
     
     

2. Success begins with a clear process for making good decisions.

   Decision-making is inherently risky, and uncertainty magnifies that risk. It can lead to decision paralysis, as leaders wait for perfect clarity before taking action. But when the ship is already rocking, waiting is rarely the right option. Making thoughtful decisions that are timely is key.

   First, have a clear vision and plan. Second, anticipate what might go wrong—and think about how you will adapt. When you’re equipped with a set of good, flexible solutions, you’ll be better prepared to respond to the unexpected. Even more importantly, your team will feel greater confidence and calm.

   Third, be clear about roles and responsibilities, so everyone understands who’s doing what and how the team will move forward together. And fourth, accept that even the best-laid plans almost always get thrown off course. Don’t let that rattle you—you’ve already gotten this far, and you’re prepared to keep going.

   Executive coaching can help you:

   • Build confidence by getting clear about your strengths and how you’ve adapted successfully before.

   • Clarify your goals and priorities with the benefit of an outside voice focused on your long-term success.

   • Deepen your understanding of your teams’ contributions—especially under pressure.

   • Avoid decision paralysis by clarifying risks and determining how to pivot when inevitable surprises emerge.
     
     

3. Facing hard conversations head-on strengthens leaders and their teams.

   It’s tempting to avoid difficult conversations—especially when tensions are high. But leaders who sidestep these moments erode trust and leave teams in doubt.

   Facing hard conversations directly and thoughtfully, on the other hand, not only can remove doubt but also strengthen relationships and boost credibility. Our teams come to trust that we are communicating honestly—even if it’s just to say, “I don’t know yet.”

   Anyone who gets tough news tends to be especially alert to the exact words and the tone—and to vividly remember whether we showed them respect and valued their role in the process. While we often talk about team culture during easier times, it’s the hardest moments that test it and offer the clearest opportunity to reinforce the kind of culture we want to build.

   Support from an executive coach can help you:

   • Prepare to manage high-stakes conversations with confidence and empathy.

   • Stay grounded when tensions run high.

   • Clarify the long-term outcomes you want, including for your team and its culture.

   • Lead by example, modeling the culture you’re aiming to create through your words and actions.

One of my mentors, renowned long-time Charleston, SC, former Mayor, Joseph P. Riley Jr., once told me, “Disaster meets you where you are.” This truth reminds us why preparation matters.

I’ve seen this play out in cities, on campuses, and within organizations—and I’ve experienced it firsthand. The most effective leaders in uncertain times aren’t just reacting; they’re prepared to meet the moment. And they know they don’t have to do it alone. In fact, most successful leaders I know have the support of an executive coach.

You deserve the same kind of support—someone in your corner to help you stay grounded, sharpen your perspective, and lead with clarity and resilience, especially when things get tough. At Mackey Strategies, we offer executive coaching because we’ve seen the difference it makes—not just in how leaders show up, but in how their teams grow, adapt, and thrive under their guidance.

👉 Explore our services and sign up for a free introductory coaching session here. We look forward to partnering with you.