Get the Message

Leading through uncertainty takes clear communication

- Damien Martin

The 2020s have been one long lesson in dealing with uncertainty. They started with a global pandemic that shut down large swathes of industry for long periods at a time. The effects have lingered for years, from medical breakthroughs to inflation to the first U.S. president to win non-consecutive terms in more than 125 years. For businesses that have navigated supply chain upheavals, transition to remote work and back to the office, and digital transformation, it's been an exercise in persistence. They've had to hang on not only to customers and shareholders, but their own employees.

As organizations figure out where to go next, they need to make sure those employees - their primary brand ambassadors are on board.

GIVING GRACE

"In uncertain times, businesses have the unique opportunity to listen and provide support," Amanda Lucey, owner and CEO of marketing and brand communications agency The Partnership, told BOSS.

As Covid reinforced to everyone, we're in a global economy, and organizations need to anticipate that whatever is happening in the outside world will affect their employees and the climate in their business. Employees are not automatons who can shut the rest of the world out during work hours.

"One of the things I often say is, 'We have to give grace' and recognize that we are people first, that are working in environments where there are things going on in the world that can impact us and can be emotional."

There has to be an understanding that the dynamics of the outside world can impact morale and behavior in the workplace.