Leading Through Storms: How to Show Up as a Leader in Difficult Times
“Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.” ~ Bob Riley
Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about how you guide yourself and others when things feel uncertain. In challenging times, whether it’s workplace instability, industry shifts, or personal difficulties, true leadership is tested.
Many people believe that leaders need to be rock-solid, always calm, always decisive. But here’s the truth: leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
What Leadership Looks Like in Tough Times
When uncertainty hits, great leaders don’t just react, they respond with intention. Here’s how:
1. Self-Leadership Comes First
Before you can lead others effectively, you need to manage yourself. Stress and uncertainty can trigger reactive behaviours, but emotional intelligence is key to keeping yourself grounded.
Pause before responding. Take a breath, slow down, and check in with yourself.
Create a personal ritual. Whether it’s a 5-minute morning reflection or a quick walk between meetings, find something that helps you reset.
Ask yourself: What do I need to feel steady today?
2. Lead with Emotional Intelligence & Conscious Communication
People look to leaders for reassurance, not unrealistic positivity. Be honest about challenges but remain solution-focused.
Use clarity over certainty: You don’t need all the answers, but you do need to communicate what you know.
Listen actively: Your team’s concerns are valid, create space for them to be heard.
Regulate your emotions: Reacting impulsively can create unnecessary tension. Respond instead of react.
3. Clarity Amidst Chaos
In uncertain times, people crave direction. A strong leader provides focus and helps others find meaning even in challenging situations.
Set a clear vision: Even if you don’t have all the details, provide a sense of direction.
Simplify decision-making: Avoid analysis paralysis by focusing on the next best step, not a perfect plan.
Remind your team of their ‘why’: Purpose fuels resilience.
4. Empower Others to Step Up
Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about trust. When things are difficult, micromanaging only adds stress. Instead:
Delegate ownership, not just tasks. Let people take real responsibility.
Encourage adaptability. The best teams embrace change, not fear it.
Ask: What do you need to do your best work right now?
5. Resilience & Recovery
Leaders who burn out can’t lead effectively. Sustainable leadership means knowing when to rest, reflect, and reset.
Normalize breaks. High performance isn’t about running on empty—it’s about sustaining energy.
Reframe setbacks. Instead of seeing failure, ask: What’s the lesson here?
Lead with empathy. Both for yourself and for those you’re leading.
Your Leadership in Action
Difficult times don’t define your leadership, they reveal it.
❤️🔥 Daily Leadership Practice: At the end of each day, reflect on one thing you handled well, one thing you’d do differently, and one action to improve tomorrow.
Leadership isn’t about being fearless, it’s about choosing courage, again and again, in the face of uncertainty.
How do you stay grounded as a leader when things get tough? Drop a comment below - I’d love to hear your thoughts.
