What’s your silver lining?
My younger brother said it best, “What we’re experiencing right now feels like someone pulled the emergency brake while driving 90 mph.” It perfectly captured the shock of the world grinding to a halt in 2020. While life paused, we all began to adjust to new routines—working remotely, juggling family responsibilities, and feeling the impact of limited human interaction. Yet, there was a silver lining. The pandemic forced a “universal reset,” giving us a chance to step back and rethink how we lead, connect, and create meaning in our lives.
Four years later, we’re in a new phase with our challenges. Leaders are not just reestablishing footing; they are fundamentally redefining what it means to lead with presence, resilience, and purpose in a rapidly evolving and unpredictable world.
The Meaning Behind Leadership
In 2018, I co-authored Meaning: How Leaders Communicate During Times of Crisis and Opportunity with Ash Seddeek. We interviewed twelve leaders who shared how they connected with and inspired their teams. At the time, we never could have imagined the test of leadership the pandemic would bring. The book’s core message—staying connected, communicating openly, and leading with empathy—has only become more relevant. Today, it’s not enough to communicate leaders must ensure their messages resonate, especially in times of ambiguity.
What Leaders Can Do Today: Leaders now face uncertainties, from hybrid work environments to global economic shifts. To stay effective, leaders must maintain open, empathetic communication and continuously adapt their approach to meet team needs. Establishing a feedback loop and showing vulnerability creates a culture of trust and keeps teams engaged, even in the face of rapid change.
Mindset Matters: Building a Resilient Leadership Brand
During the early months of the pandemic, I saw a variety of responses from family, friends, and colleagues as they adjusted to life indoors. Some struggled with isolation, while others adapted quickly, reframing the situation as a chance to recalibrate. This was a “rebranding moment”—a time to evaluate how we show up as leaders, reflect on our values, and make intentional adjustments.
A calm, resilient mindset isn’t just helpful; it’s essential for leading effectively through crises. Whether juggling work and family or setting new routines, leaders who embrace flexibility and focus can better support their teams and themselves.
What Leaders Can Do Today: Leaders should continue to build resilience by embracing growth, focusing on well-being, and maintaining calm under pressure. Encourage your teams to balance work and personal life meaningfully, like scheduling regular breaks, creating connection points, and supporting well-being initiatives that prevent burnout.
Leadership Today: Stepping Up and Standing Out
In uncertain times, leaders are called upon to demonstrate responsibility, guide their teams, and keep them grounded in a shared vision. This became particularly apparent during the pandemic, as effective leaders adapted to remote work challenges, emphasized empathy, and provided clarity amidst chaos. But today, leaders must take these lessons further by honing their ability to navigate ambiguity and create stability in hybrid or fully remote teams.
Now more than ever, this is a time to reflect on one’s leadership brand. How are your actions impacting those around you? Are you flexible and calm, even when team members struggle with ambiguity? Are you prioritizing people, then outcomes, and finding ways to innovate while focusing on the collective needs of your team?
What Leaders Can Do Today: Consider this a continuous opportunity to “rebrand” by refining your leadership style and aligning it with the current work landscape. Show your team they are valued by listening, prioritizing mental health, and embracing a people-first approach. These behaviors help cultivate an environment of trust and reinforce your credibility as a leader.
Behaviors of Effective Leaders in Times of Change
Today’s leaders face a new level of complexity and interconnection. Here are three behaviors that distinguish effective leaders in a continually evolving world:
- Demonstrate Responsibility and Accountability Lead with integrity and inspire others by owning decisions and actions, even in complex situations. This influence encourages a culture of accountability and motivates others to navigate challenges confidently.
- Balance Expertise and Intuition for Decisive Action Accept that information is often incomplete. Leaders must use intuition alongside expertise to make decisions, even amidst uncertainty. Developing a flexible framework for decision-making helps maintain momentum and build trust.
- Foster Resilience for Long-Term Well-Being – Embrace resilience by focusing on core values and supporting a network of people who reinforce positivity and endurance. Leaders should promote resilience within teams by encouraging connection, adaptability, and continuous support.
Moving Forward: Leading with Perspective and Purpose
The pandemic may feel like it’s behind us, but its impact on leadership endures. Today’s leaders can take these lessons and create a positive, purpose-driven environment. We’ve been given a universal reset—an inflection point to strengthen how we lead, communicate, and support others.
Ask yourself: What is my leadership brand, and how do I want to be remembered? Now is the time to calibrate, elevate, and take action. Whether leading remotely, hybrid, or in-person, every small effort toward clear communication, compassion, and intentionality brings you closer to becoming the leader others want to follow.
What’s your silver lining? I’d love to hear from you.
