Leading Through Uncertainty: What Strong Leaders Actually Do
Great leaders aren’t the ones who always have the perfect plan. The truth is, most leaders don’t “just know” how to handle unpredictable times.
I’ve been a university president for over 16 years, leading three different institutions. I’ve spent more than 30 years in higher education administration. And if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard someone say, “We’ve never seen times like this before,” I am pretty sure I wouldn’t be writing this article.
That said, here we are again in another time that truly feels unprecedented. Today’s presidents are not just experiencing uncertainty but, in some cases, fear for their institutions and their own careers. How is a president to respond and move forward?
Great leaders aren’t the ones who always have the perfect plan. The truth is, most leaders don’t “just know” how to handle unpredictable times. Research on leadership in liminal experiences and unpredictable times—those in-between moments of uncertainty—shows that even experienced leaders struggle with fear, confusion, and self-doubt. So, what do the best leaders do when faced with challenges they’ve never seen before?
Here’s a roadmap:
Step 1: Look Inward—Understand the Power of Reflection
Leadership starts with knowing yourself. Before guiding others, take time to reflect on:
- Your core values—What truly matters to you? How do your values align with the university’s mission?
- Your emotional response—How are you feeling about the situation? Fear, frustration, or uncertainty can cloud decision-making if you don’t acknowledge them.
- Your leadership style—What are your strengths? What are your blind spots? What adjustments will make you a more effective leader in this moment?
This reflection isn’t just for you—it’s for your leadership team, too. A team that understands its collective strengths and weaknesses will lead with greater clarity and purpose. This also strengthens “horizontal thinking” which is a necessity during uncertain times.
Step 2: Define Your Purpose—and Stick to It
In turbulent times, leaders can’t afford to get distracted. A clear organizational purpose acts as a guiding light. Ask yourself:
- What is the fundamental mission of this institution?
- How do we align our decisions with this purpose, even when external forces create pressure?
A clear purpose keeps your team grounded. It helps them focus on what they can change, instead of stressing over the big-picture chaos they can’t control. When people know why their work matters, they stay engaged—even in uncertainty.
Step 3: Identify “The Hill You’ll Defend”
You can’t fight every battle, but some hills are worth dying on. What are your non-negotiables? Get clear on them, so when the pressure’s on, you already know where you stand.
This helps leaders make tough decisions with confidence. It also fosters unity because when people understand what truly matters, they can rally around it.
Step 4: Use Differences as a Strength
Crisis brings out differences—between people, teams, and entire organizations. But those differences don’t have to divide you. If you lean into them, they can make your decisions stronger.
- Diverse perspectives lead to better solutions. A room full of like-minded thinkers won’t challenge assumptions or see blind spots. There’s no value in group think—this we know.
- Conflict can be productive if it’s framed as a way to improve decision-making rather than as a battle to be won.
Great leaders don’t fear differing opinions; they invite them, harness them, and use them to build stronger teams and better outcomes.
Step 5: Stay Focused—And Keep Looking Ahead
In unpredictable times, distractions are everywhere. That’s why leaders must do two things simultaneously:
- Buckle up—Stay laser-focused on what you can control. Don’t get lost in the noise. It’s easy to forget to buckle up when you are unfocused.
- Keep your eyes up—Anticipate what’s coming next. Great leaders don’t just react; they see the curve ahead.
The best leaders balance present discipline with future awareness—acting decisively in the moment while keeping an eye on long-term goals.
Step 6: Communicate—Wash, Rinse, Repeat
Here’s the hard truth: No matter how clearly you communicate, people will interpret your message in different ways. If you have ever played Telephone as a child, you know messages become distorted the more they are passed along. Don’t let others shape what you have to say.
Say it often, say it clearly, and say it everywhere. People won’t always hear you the first time, so repeat the message across email, social media, and face-to-face meetings. The more ways you share it, the more likely it sticks.
And just as important as speaking? Listening. Sometimes, the best leadership move isn’t to provide an immediate answer but to pause, listen, and make space for understanding.
Final Thoughts: Confidence in the Face of Uncertainty
Great leaders don’t need all the answers. What they do need is a solid playbook for staying calm, making smart choices, and guiding their team through uncertainty. By staying rooted in reflection, purpose, and communication, leaders can navigate even the most challenging moments.
And remember this: you’ve overcome uncertainty before. Your university has already survived a global pandemic. That’s proof of resilience. The next challenge is just another test—and you’re ready for it.
Bob Davies, Ph.D., is a Senior Advisor with WittKieffer and previously served as president of Central Michigan University, Murray State University, and Eastern Oregon University.
