When life gets ambiguous, adaptive leadership becomes critical. Being an effective leader amid uncertainty requires intentionality. There’s a moment of truth that comes when you’re leading through tough places, whether you’re facing tariffs, a global pandemic, a corporate takeover or any other challenge. Having a North Star will help you and your team adapt.
Adaptive leadership has been top-of-mind among female executives. If the topic’s popularity is any indication — I led some 60 women in The Chicago Network on a recent conference call — 2025 is mired in uncertainty. Here are eight ways to practice adaptive leadership and prepare for the inevitable changes and challenges your organization will face in uncertain times.
1. Define goals and stay focused.
Even when the path is unclear, you can’t be an effective leader without a clear vision of your end goal. Don’t get myopic and lose sight of the results you are aiming for. Continuously measure your key performance indicators. The big picture and the overall viability of your organization must remain a priority. Take a breath and remember your goals.
2. Be nimble and be ready.
In any line of work, one thing is certain — uncertainty is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face. More than ever, you must be an adaptive leader.
Scenario planning and developing risk management strategies will help you respond to volatile conditions. Leading your team through a tabletop exercise can offer fresh perspectives to inform your decision-making. Even if a real-world situation differs from what you have prepared for, you have at least begun the conversation about how to respond.
3. Stay calm and lead with empathy.
It’s essential to remain calm, even if everyone else is panicking. Intentional decision-making in the face of challenges is about being grounded. It’s the key to successful change management.
People need to feel safe. The way to lead through uncertainty starts by validating people’s concerns. Cultivating a culture of adaptability and innovation will give teams a framework for change. When it encounters resistance or complacency, the organization is up for a challenge. If not well-managed, change can create a huge culture shift. Indifferent signals may alienate your workforce.
4. Project strength — and vulnerability.
Projecting strength is difficult to define, but you know it when you see it. It may seem counterintuitive, but often it is about showing your humanity — being open about what you know and what you don’t. At the core, it is an acceptance of your limitations.
How do you share vulnerability and demonstrate confidence at the same time? You do this by being transparent and honest. Innate communication skills position women to project the strength and vulnerability that keeps everyone moving forward. Empathetic communication can also help future female leaders rise to strength.
5. Stay curious and commit to learning.
Even in tough times, commit resources to learning and development. For instance, understanding AI will help you set strategic guardrails and maintain your competitive edge. Staying nimble requires consistent investments of both time and resources. Strong leaders foster intellectual curiosity and remain engaged with professional associations. Sometimes you only see what’s immediately in front of you — lifting your head a bit will likely help you anticipate the skills you’ll need next.
6. Maintain inclusivity and engagement.
Inclusion is essential in adapting and navigating uncertainty. A diligent workforce gives everyone a say in how to adapt, and all viewpoints are met with acceptance. Teams engaged in innovation buy into executive decisions and show resilience when faced with change.
To bolster morale and engagement, arrange social activities, host town hall meetings or offer professional development. Bringing people together in person helps you take a pulse on what’s impacting team cohesion.
Give everyone an opportunity to share any morale issues with leadership. Ninety percent of the time, people just want to be heard. Your willingness to listen is just as important as your ability to do what they are asking for.
7. Take care of yourself.
Women often take on everything and neglect self-care. During the pandemic, even strong female leaders hit breaking points – sometimes realizing it too late and stepping back. It’s a cliché, but putting the oxygen mask on yourself first is essential. That self-care looks different for everyone — whether it’s daily workouts, meditation, better planning or more help at home to ease the mental load.
8. Find your tribe.
You don’t need to have all the answers yourself. It’s fine to rely on others, both within and beyond your organization, to tackle challenges. Seek out the right peers to enhance your adaptability, even if that means stepping outside your current network. Be clear on what you need — whether it’s a skill, an insight or a solution to a problem. You might be amazed by the power of fresh perspectives and diverse ideas.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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