Navigating perpetual uncertainty: Leader's toolkit

IF there is one critical factor that will persist throughout the rest of the 21st century and beyond, it is uncertainty.

- By Saminda Weerasinghe, CFA

The world is witnessing unprecedented macro changes, driven by a growing number of leaders making increasingly irrational decisions from a global perspective. These decisions are often rooted in individualistic views, backed by geopolitics and polarisation of power. I believe this situation will worsen, especially given the ongoing uncertain geopolitical shifts.

In light of this, macrolevel uncertainty and its impact on weaker, more vulnerable economies— such as Sri Lanka— are almost impossible to fully comprehend. Navigating a corporation in such uncertain waters, perhaps for an indefinite period, requires several key leadership traits that I believe need to be highlighted:

1) Gritty perseverance and decision-making through the lens of indifference

Let's first build the understanding of gritty perseverance. Perseverance is the ability to keep going despite obstacles. Grit combines passion with perseverance with an ultimate long-term goal in mind. Hence, gritty perseverance is personified intent of achieving the long-term goal in life (the legacy that is created) driven by passion and want for sense of achievement.

A leader’s ability to persevere through challenges, combined with effective decision-making, is greatly enhanced when approached with a degree of indifference. This does not imply apathy but rather the capacity to make impartial, rational decisions focused on what truly matters for the organisation’s long-term success.

During tense and uncertain times, decisions made without being clouded by emotion—driven primarily by logic and technical understanding—demonstrate true leadership.

2) Broad perspective and the ability to decipher complexity through experience