How to Lead Through Crisis: Turning Uncertainty into Strength

When disaster strikes—whether it’s a natural disaster, business setback, or personal tragedy—how do we lead? It’s easy to feel powerless or overwhelmed, but the true strength of leadership emerges in how we show up during moments of uncertainty and how we lead in the wake of crisis.

The Challenge of Crisis: Relatability in Moments of Chaos

I was reminded of this truth during the recent Los Angeles fires. Even though my community wasn’t directly impacted, the tension in the air was undeniable. Life continued, but with an undercurrent of fear and chaos. Like many of us during crises, I found myself uncertain about how to navigate the disconnect between business responsibilities and the overwhelming need for emotional connection in the face of tragedy.

At that moment, I realized that leadership is not about perfect plans or having all the answers. It’s about how we show up, empathize, and lead with humanity. This principle applies not only in moments of disaster but in every moment of uncertainty we face as leaders.

Feeling Disconnected and Overwhelmed

Crisis is disorienting. When everything around us feels unstable, it’s easy to freeze, panic, or feel paralyzed by our own uncertainty. I remember logging into a virtual meeting with a group of women leaders in the midst of those fires. I felt completely disconnected, like it was impossible to focus on anything outside of the chaos surrounding me. But when one of the women suggested we open the meeting with a prayer for those affected, it was like a weight lifted. It gave us permission to be vulnerable, to acknowledge the crisis, and to connect deeply as humans.

Practical Leadership in Crisis: 7 Strategies for Leading with Strength

The answer in those moments is not to act like everything is “normal” or pretend we have everything under control. The answer is to acknowledge the shock, lead with empathy, and create spaces where people feel heard and supported.

Here are seven strategies for leading in crisis, drawing from personal experience and leadership insights:

  1. Acknowledge the Shock, Name the Emotions. In any crisis, people feel disoriented. The shock can manifest in various ways—lack of motivation, brain fog, or difficulty with normal tasks. Leaders need to acknowledge this initial trauma and create a space where emotions are named and validated. A simple check-in where team members can share how they’re feeling can create a grounding effect and foster connection.
  2. Empathy Is a Bridge, Not a Weakness Empathy doesn’t mean taking on others’ burdens but standing alongside them in their struggle. It’s about saying, “I see you, and we will get through this together.” Showing empathy builds trust and strengthens relationships, especially during times of uncertainty.
  3. Purpose Still Matters In times of crisis, it’s easy to question the value of work, deadlines, or day-to-day tasks. Yet, having a sense of purpose can provide solace and focus. As a leader, it’s important to provide flexibility and create room for people to engage at their own pace. Some may need space, while others find comfort in staying busy and contributing to the cause.
  4. Provide Clarity: Plans and Communication Uncertainty breeds anxiety, and clear communication is key. As a leader, providing a clear plan—or even just a list of immediate priorities—can anchor your team. Regular updates, even if brief, help reduce fear and give people direction.
  5. Expect Breakdown—Then Extend Patience Crisis situations often disrupt operations in unexpected ways. Technology may fail, team members may be unreachable, or plans may go awry. Leaders should build patience into their response. Expect breakdowns and be ready to adjust. Show empathy by understanding that your team may need time to recover or adjust.
  6. Vulnerability Fuels Resilience As leaders, we often feel pressure to stay composed, but sharing our own vulnerabilities can inspire resilience. Acknowledging the difficulty of the situation and sharing our own struggles shows authenticity and humanizes leadership. This, in turn, empowers others to face their own challenges with strength.
  7. Community Is a Lifeline In times of crisis, people’s need for connection and support is magnified. Leaders can foster a sense of community within their organizations or teams. Whether it’s rallying resources for a shared cause or offering emotional support, building a strong, supportive community can be the bedrock of recovery.

Transforming Crisis into Opportunity: Resolution through Leadership

From these strategies, it’s clear: leadership in times of crisis is not about having all the answers but about showing up with empathy, vulnerability, and clarity. By naming the emotions we’re all experiencing, acknowledging the shock, and building community, we can help ourselves and others move through crisis with greater resilience.

Leading Through Uncertainty: The Call to Action for Every Leader

Crisis will always be a part of life, but it doesn’t have to break us. By embracing these principles, we can turn moments of turmoil into opportunities for growth and connection. As leaders, we are called to lead not just with authority, but with humanity—showing that in times of crisis, our greatest strength lies in our collective ability to face uncertainty together.

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Rúna Bouius is a dynamic visionary and thought leader who empowers forward-thinking leaders and organizations to excel amidst the complexities of our rapidly evolving world.

Drawing upon her extensive experience as a CEO and serial entrepreneur from Iceland, Rúna combines sharp business acumen with profound wisdom and an unwavering passion for redefining power and leadership. She expertly guides her clients through transformative journeys, unlocking their deepest purpose and potential for growth and positive impact.

As the founder of the True Power Institute, host of the TruePower Executive Roundtable, and co-founder of social impact initiatives, Rúna sparks transformative possibilities through coaching, facilitation, and speaking engagements. Co-author of the international bestseller “The Successful Mind,” Rúna is also a member of the AcornOak platform for Fractional Executive Women, dedicated to empowering leaders worldwide.

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