Leading Through Economic Uncertainty: Leadership Strategies for Resilience
- James Powell
- 8 minutes ago
- 5 min read
How courageous leaders hold the line—without losing their humanity
Pain, Certainty, and the Leadership Wake-Up Call
Humans are wired to avoid pain and chase certainty. We crave comfort, stability, and predictability—and in most areas of life, that makes sense. But leadership? That’s not what you signed up for. And if you did, expecting it to be smooth sailing, maybe it’s time for a hard look in the mirror.
The truth: leadership is forged in uncertainty. It’s not about steering a ship in calm waters—it’s about keeping your crew steady in the storm. If you’re feeling stretched, scared, or unsure right now, you’re not broken. You’re being called to lead.
This moment—this messy, unpredictable, economically unstable moment—isn’t the time to hide. It’s your time to rise.
So how do courageous leaders grow forward during uncertainty? Over the past couple of weeks humanKIND has been working with other leaders to hear some of their strategies and tactics for leading through economic uncertainty.
Put Humanity at the Center of Strategy
Let’s start with a reality check: cost-cutting isn’t a get-out-of-leadership-free card. Leaders are often forced to make hard calls, but the best don’t do it behind closed doors and call it strategy. They engage. They communicate. They stay visible.
“Leaders who steer workforce reductions effectively understand that culture isn’t just about the employees who stay—it’s also about how you treat those who leave.”
—Margaret Phares, Executive Director, PARWCC
Margaret's example? A tech company that announced restructuring 45 days in advance, offered career coaching, and built an alumni network. Result: steady employee satisfaction scores and rehiring opportunities later.
Layoffs handled with integrity protect more than morale—they protect your reputation, future talent pipeline, and sense of self.
Invest in People, Not Just Processes
Melanie Booher, Chief Engagement & Experience Officer at Talent Magnet Institute, reminds us that resilience isn’t a buzzword—it’s a leadership asset.
“Resilience is our greatest currency. We lead through economic uncertainty by doubling down on culture—through transparency, empathy, and kindness. We created our 'Unconventional Leader Program' to help people feel seen and empowered, even during hard transitions.”
The ROI of culture isn’t measured only by retention. It shows up in morale, productivity, innovation, and how willing people are to stick with you when the future feels shaky.
Make Room for Reality—Then Act
During an M&A transition, Brian Chasin, CFO of SOBA New Jersey, witnessed firsthand how transparency made all the difference:
“The best leaders don’t pretend it’s painless—they show up. They communicate urgency and follow through, offering extended benefits, placement help, or just being available for hard conversations.”
That’s not just strategy—it’s leadership in action.
The most effective leaders balance financial responsibility with human empathy. They don’t dump hard news on HR’s lap and disappear. They show up.
Human Problems Need Human Solutions
Charles Berry, co-founder of Zing Events, learned a vital truth during the pandemic:
“When the pandemic hit, we pivoted fast to virtual events. But the biggest lesson wasn’t about business—it was about staying calm and human. Our team trusted us because we were visible, honest, and steady. That mindset turned crisis into the most profitable stretch of our 14-year history.”
It’s not just about new systems or faster workflows. It's about creating emotional safety—especially when the ground is shifting.
Communicate Early, Often, and Honestly
Leadership during economic uncertainty demands proactive communication—not HR-vetted memos that feel like legal insulation.
“Leaders who avoid difficult discussions often breed unease and mistrust. True leadership requires balancing operational realities with a profound respect for the human side.”
—Valentin Radu, CEO & Founder, Omniconvert
Don’t Hide—Lead
Miriam Groom, CEO of Mindful Career Inc., shared what happened when a VP of People chose visibility over comfort:
“We were coaching the VP of People at a SaaS firm after their second layoff in under a year. Morale was in freefall. Instead of hiding behind slides and scripts, she hosted an 'Unfiltered Town Hall'—owning the emotional toll and mapping a clear path forward. Within three months, retention stabilized, feedback scores climbed 31%, and innovation resurged.”
There’s no script for how to lead through economic pressure. But showing up anyway? That’s the job of leaders. When you share the “why” behind decisions, offer room for feedback, and stay open to tough questions—you don’t just reduce fear. You build long-term trust.
Don’t Just Lead the Business—Lead Yourself
Here’s the part many leaders skip: your team won’t trust your direction if they can’t trust your presence.
Are you checked out or fully in?
Avoiding conflict or naming it?
Pretending you have the answers, or owning that you’re navigating too?
Uncertainty doesn’t need a superhero. It needs a human—one willing to lead from a place of grounded integrity, not perfection.
Ownership isn't about trying to controlling everything and everyone—it's owning your response and way forward so others want to following you.
You don’t have to know everything. But you do have to show up.
Protect Trust—Especially When People Are Leaving
The people who stay are watching how you treat the people who leave. Do you provide space for employees to 'complete' their experience with you and their team members? Or do you 'disappear' employees who are being laid off? Cut corners, go silent, or spin the story—and the trust that took years to build evaporates overnight.
If you want people to go the distance with you, don’t just talk values—live them.
Offer mental health resources
Provide career support
Leave room for grief and transition
3 Reflective Journal Prompts for Leading Through Economic Uncertainty
Where am I avoiding discomfort in the name of control or clarity?
What values do I want my team to feel from me—even when I can’t give them certainty?
If trust is built in how I handle endings, what am I doing to lead through this transition with dignity and transparency?
True leadership is revealed in how we show up when things fall apart. That's when our character—and culture—is really on display.
Are you a leader looking to build your courage, clarity, and resilience?
Economic instability tests your leadership like nothing else. This sense of uncertainty is both uncomfortable and an opportunity to grow. Leaders need a safe, non-judgemental space to explore and be with ALL their feelings. You are not in this alone—we can help. Explore more 'Team Leadership + Performance' Resources or book a free strategy session
Special Thanks To Our Contributors
Please reach out to learn more about how Charles, Margaret, Miriam, Brian, Valentin, and Melanie for share how you lean into uncertainty and grow forward.
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