As senior leaders, we know that uncertainty is part of the job—but leading through it can feel like a whole different game. After years of navigating both predictable and surprising shifts, I’ve found that a focus on five core leadership principles, the “5 C’s,” can serve as a guiding framework. When you focus on these, you can move forward with intention, bring your team with you, and help create resilience across your organization.
The first two C’s—Calm and Commitment—form the foundation. Think of them as your leadership center of gravity. Let’s break them down.
1. Calm
When the stakes are high, calm is not just a “nice to have”—it’s essential. Challenges, change, and crisis can stir up anxiety and rash decisions, and the natural instinct for most is to react immediately. However, your team looks to you for stability. Remaining calm allows you to lead with focus and intent rather than reactivity. In times of uncertainty, staying grounded isn’t passive. It’s a deliberate action that helps you think critically and show up with confidence and empathy.
Finding Calm, Your Way
How you get to calm will vary by person, and it’s okay if it takes a moment. Here are some quick strategies that help many leaders regain their footing:
Take a few deep breaths, count to 10, or use a quick meditation app.
Talk things out with a trusted advisor or peer.
Step back to assess—give yourself the grace of a break.
Exercise, go for a walk, or journal—whatever helps you release tension and return to clarity.
When you’re grounded, you can think clearly, communicate effectively, and make decisions with intention. And remember: This too shall pass. Remind yourself, and give yourself and others grace.
Try it: How do you get back to calm in those high-pressure moments?
2. Commitment & Care
What matters to you? What values and people are at the core of your leadership? In times of change, your commitment to your purpose—your North Star—becomes even more important. People need to know that you’re in it with them, that you’re dedicated to the goals, values, and people you serve. Reflecting on this brings clarity and reminds your team that they’re not alone in facing the challenge.
Reconnecting to what truly drives you can be a powerful anchor in times of uncertainty. Why are you committed to this challenge? Who are you here to support?
Reflection Exercise: Take a moment, grab a notebook, and jot down:
WHAT you are committed to.
WHO you are committed to.
WHY this challenge matters to you, your team, and your organization.
With this commitment clear, you and your team have a purpose that you can consistently come back to, no matter what curveballs are thrown your way.
3. Communication
In uncertain times, clarity is crucial—and that means effective communication. You’ve probably heard the phrase “communicate early and often.” I agree, but I’d add an important caveat: communicate once you’ve found your calm and clarified your commitment. People want to hear from you, but they don’t need perfection—they need sincerity.
Communicating T.R.U.E.ly
Effective communication goes beyond just sharing information. It’s about connecting, guiding, and reassuring.
The T.R.U.E. approach can help shape your message:
Transparent – Be open about what you know and what you don’t. Honesty fosters trust.
Real – Show your human side. Vulnerability in leadership strengthens relationships.
Unite – Remind your team that you’re all in this together, working toward a shared goal.
Encourage – Offer empathy, even if the path forward isn’t clear. Inspire confidence in your team’s ability to overcome challenges.
The Power of Listening
Communication is a two-way street. It’s not just about delivering your message; it’s about listening deeply to your team. In times of uncertainty, listening is one of your most powerful tools. It helps you understand the concerns, ideas, and emotions that your team is processing, and allows you to respond with empathy and clarity.
Create space for open dialogue. Ask questions, listen actively, and truly hear what’s being said. This builds trust and ensures you’re addressing the real issues at hand.
Effective communication isn’t just about speaking—it's as much about listening. When your team feels heard and understood, they feel more connected to the mission and more aligned with the path forward.
Try it: When communicating with your team, follow up by actively listening. After sharing your message, ask, "What’s on your mind?" or "How does this land with you?" Creating space for both speaking and listening ensures clarity, builds trust, and allows you to address any concerns in real-time.
4. Clarity
Leadership during uncertain times often requires you to make decisions without all the facts. That’s why gaining as much clarity as possible, even in the midst of ambiguity, is critical. Clarity helps you identify which priorities need focus, which tasks can wait, and what’s truly at stake.
This step is about assessing, acting, and reassessing. It’s a loop: start with the facts you have, analyze them, prioritize, and check back in regularly. Situations change fast, and so should your insights.
Make it a practice to:
Assess foundational activities that must continue.
Identify “Big Rocks” or high-impact initiatives and align them with your commitment and priorities.
Regularly review internal metrics, team feedback, and any market updates.
Reflection: What are your top priorities right now? How are they aligned with your team’s commitment and goals?
5. Creativity
Challenging times can also be times of incredible creativity. If you’re rooted in purpose and priorities, you’re in a strong position to be open to innovative ideas and approaches. Encourage your team to look for solutions that aren’t necessarily traditional. Be flexible in how you approach your goals, and let your team know they have the space to think outside the box.
As Einstein said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” When people know they’re safe to experiment and that their insights are valued, they’re much more likely to find unique, effective solutions to even the toughest challenges.
Building a Creative Culture
Actively invite new ideas from your team.
Celebrate even small innovations—they’re often the foundation for big ones.
Support a mindset of “What if?” rather than “Why not?”
Try it: How can you encourage your team to approach this challenge with fresh ideas and perspectives?
Leading Strategically with the 5 C’s
Leading through uncertainty is an ongoing practice. It’s about consistently showing up for your team with intention, purpose, and care. When you embrace these 5 C’s—Calm, Commitment, Communication, Clarity, and Creativity—you’re creating a strong foundation for navigating change and keeping your team resilient, adaptable, and aligned.
Calm: Find your center to act with focus.
Commitment: Anchor yourself in purpose and care for those you lead.
Communication: Be open, transparent, and inviting of dialogue.
Clarity: Seek facts and assess priorities to guide action.
Creativity: Stay open to new ideas and flexible solutions.
Tough situations build resilient leaders. Keep going, keep connecting to purpose, and know that every challenge is an opportunity to strengthen your team and your impact.
"Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
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