"The moment you think uncertainty is over, you’re standing at the start of the next set of questions."
A company I’m very familiar with just fired their CEO and brought in a new one.
I’ve also noticed some other major leadership changes in the industry recently—and it’s shaking up entire organizations.
Perhaps I'm thinking of Nike, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Axsome Therapeutics, Inc., Starbucks, or Crinetics Pharmaceuticals...
...or perhaps I'm thinking of different companies. Doesn't matter.
If you’re dealing with something similar right now, I want to offer a few thoughts, especially for those leading teams through these massive shifts.
Because make no mistake, when leadership changes, futures change.
And here’s something you need to hear: I’m not talking to managers. 😕
This isn’t about checking boxes or maintaining status quo. ☑
Managers are stuck trying to execute the past.
Leaders, on the other hand, are navigating the fog of the future.
Those are my people. 👊👊👊
When uncertainty hits—whether it’s coming from external pressures or internal shifts—what matters most is how you show up as a leader.
I’ve seen too many folks sit back, waiting for clarity.
They want answers, they want certainty.
But here’s the thing: by the time you get answers, you’re already facing the next wave of questions.
You think the tough part is getting through the initial storm?
Think again.
Once the dust settles, the real work begins.
Right now, a lot of people in your organization are spiraling.
They're not just worried about their jobs—they’re juggling a thousand other personal pressures.
It’s your job as a leader to recognize that and actually lead.
Start by giving people grace. (credit: Angie Aldinger)
You don’t know what they’re carrying, but you better believe the weight of work uncertainty just made it heavier.
Your job isn’t to pretend you have all the answers. It’s to help people navigate the unknown.
In Part 2, I’ll dive into the internal upheaval that comes when a new leader walks in the door and how it amplifies the anxiety across the team.
Stay tuned. I'll drop that Thursday AM.
