Hey, it’s me, Paola, I thought I’d have a little tête-à-tête with you all. The onslaught of tariff announcements has us all on edge, but in business, we don’t get to choose the timing of uncertainty. We do, however, get to choose how we lead through it.
The never-ending tariff announcements remind us that disruption can knock on our door at any time. And when it does, leaders have one job: to steady the helm.
It’s not about pretending everything is fine. It’s about acknowledging the challenge, sharing the plan, and showing your team that you’re still in the driver’s seat, with them in mind.
Yes, hard choices may come, but so can creative solutions.
Fractional HR support can reevaluate roles, pause to realign, and build a strong leadership team capable of weathering such storms.
Lead with conviction. Lead with care. That’s the type of leadership people remember—and follow. However, how we respond as leaders is always a choice.
Ready to guide your team through uncertainty? Start here.
Ways Leaders Can Show Up During a Crisis
I’d like to bust a myth right off the bat: leaders should make quick decisions during a crisis.
It’s true that a crisis demands speedy decision-making from leaders, but sometimes, this means making decisions on incomplete or half-baked information.
My advice? Take a deep breath, step back from the situation, and gather all details before creating and disseminating communication.
Communicate with Clarity, Consistency, and Compassion
During uncertain times, people crave information and direction. Strong leaders don’t stay silent—they speak up. Transparency fosters trust. That means providing clear, honest updates, even when the news isn’t perfect.
Use multiple channels to keep your team informed through emails, team huddles, Slack, or town halls. Don’t underestimate the power of repeating the obvious: it helps anchor your team in reality and reduces fear.
Most importantly, invite a two-way dialogue. Create space for questions, concerns, and shared problem-solving.
Empathy isn’t Soft—it’s Strategic
When everything feels uncertain, empathy becomes a leadership superpower. People are watching not just what you decide, but how you decide. Show them you care.
Ask questions. Listen deeply. Recognize how the situation affects your team, not just your operations. Fractional HR support can help leaders build psychologically safe spaces where compassion is practiced, not just promised.
Empathy doesn’t mean avoiding hard calls. It means making them with humanity.
Strengthen Your Leadership Toolkit with these Crisis Essentials
- Communication & transparency: Regular updates, clear messaging, active listening
- Adaptability: Recalibrate strategies quickly, be open to feedback
- Strategic thinking: Prioritize long-term goals over short-term fixes
- Emotional intelligence: Stay composed, empathetic, and self-aware
- Ethical conduct: Make values-driven decisions that build trust
There’s more below…
Reinforce Shared Purpose
In times of crisis, it’s easy for teams to feel fragmented or uncertain. That’s when a clear, shared purpose becomes a powerful unifier. Leaders who regularly tie day-to-day work back to a bigger mission help anchor their teams. This focus boosts morale and reminds people why their work matters, even when the waters are rough.
Celebrate Small Wins
Wins may look different in a crisis, but they’re still worth celebrating. Acknowledging even the smallest progress can energize teams and maintain momentum. Whether it’s recognizing someone’s flexibility, resilience, or creativity, small acts of appreciation go a long way. They remind people that their efforts are seen and valued.
Focus on Solutions
Challenges will always be part of the equation. Effective leaders help teams focus energy on what’s possible, not just what’s wrong. Solution-focused leadership encourages innovation and action, keeping people engaged rather than overwhelmed. This mindset shift can open doors to unexpected opportunities, even in challenging times.
Be Proactive and Prepared
Crisis leadership isn’t just reactive—it’s proactive. Leaders should continually scan for emerging risks, prepare contingency plans, and build team capacity before issues escalate. Planning today reduces panic tomorrow. A proactive mindset also means anticipating people’s needs and communicating before questions arise.
All is Well that Ends Well
Leaders need to harbour a strategic mindset and craft a compelling vision for the future. Amid turbulent times, maintaining a long-term perspective and devising a roadmap to overcome challenges is indispensable. Ethical leaders also make decisions based on long-term consequences rather than immediate gains. Having a solid strategic plan in place is key to resilience.
So repeat after me:
- I will be transparent
- I will share updates often
- I will create space for conversations
Yes, costs may rise. Yes, tough decisions might follow. But we can lead with compassion.
Fractional models are a smart, sustainable way to keep teams supported and operations moving, without overwhelming the budget.
Remember: Resilience isn’t built on silence; it’s built on trust.
