2025 is already a year of massive change for leaders:
- Managing the adoption of new AI systems across their enterprise
- Reacting to an unprecedented number of executive orders from the new US administration.
Both forces directly impact our teams and organizational culture.
Leadership has always been about uniting people behind a vision. But here’s the challenge: How do we articulate that vision amid rapid AI development and political shifts that make even 6-month forecasts uncertain?
What do you do when:
- You just approved a new AI tool and a cheaper, faster alternative comes out?
- You just signed contracts with vendors and your federal grant is abruptly cut?
And the ripple effects will be profound.
Broadly speaking, how do we communicate when we have incomplete information?
Words matter.
Here are some phrases to integrate into your communications:
“Here’s what we know at this time.” Share the information you have at the moment, and the changes you’re going to make in the short term.
“Here’s the process we’re going to use to manage this.” Even if you don’t know what the future holds, be clear about the process you’re going to take to make decisions, especially if you can make space for feedback from the people on your team. They may surprise you with insightful perspectives that you couldn’t see.
“Here’s what I know about us.” Close with optimism by tapping into the shared values of your organization. Perhaps there’s a story you can share about a time when the organization successfully managed uncertainty and emerged stronger. Stress that, regardless of the challenges ahead, together the organization will find ways to succeed.
Reinforcing company values, communicating openly, and leading with transparency build trust, especially in uncertain times. And at this moment, our industries and sectors are facing profound challenges.
How is your organization navigating this?
