Leading Through Change: 7 Actions to Build Trust and Stability

Leading through change becomes even harder when uncertainty is high. You might not have all the answers, the plan may shift week to week, and your team feels the pressure. In these moments, how you show up matters more than ever.

This guide gives you 7 specific actions to lead through change and uncertainty without losing trust or momentum. They’re practical steps you can take even when the situation is evolving and you can’t control every detail.

Why Leading Through Change in Uncertain Times Feels Different

Change is one thing - uncertainty is another layer entirely. Your team is not only adapting to new ways of working, but also wondering what else could change next.

Harvard Business Review’s research on leading through uncertain change shows that clarity and trust are the two biggest stabilizers leaders can provide when the future is unclear.

7 Actions for Leading Through Change and Uncertainty

1. Be Honest About What You Know

If you’re waiting for more information, say so. Don’t fill the space with guesses - you’ll lose credibility if those guesses turn out wrong.

2. Share the “Why” Behind Decisions

People are more willing to adapt when they understand the reasoning.

3. Give Short-Term Certainty

Even if you can’t promise what will happen in six months, you can outline what the next two weeks look like.

4. Keep Communication Predictable

Regular updates, even if brief, help people feel anchored.

5. Involve Your Team in Solutions

Ask for ideas. It builds ownership and shows you value their perspective.

6. Reinforce What’s Not Changing

Remind your team of the constants - your values, the mission, and certain processes.

7. Model Calm and Consistency

Your tone, body language, and follow-through set the emotional temperature for your team.

Common Mistakes Leaders Make During Uncertainty

• Over-reassuring without facts – Saying “everything will be fine” without evidence can backfire.

• Delaying updates until you have the full picture – Silence is often interpreted as bad news.

• Overloading people with every possible scenario – Creates more stress instead of clarity.

Tools to Help You Lead Through Change and Uncertainty

• Change Conversation Timeline – Map your before/during/after communication steps

• Awareness & Desire Conversation Planner – Build understanding and motivation

• Leadership Toolkit for Navigating Change – 50+ tools for real-world change leadership

Your Next Step

If you want a deeper dive into specific situations, check out the other posts in this series:

• Leading Through Change: The Complete Guide for People Leaders

• Leading Through Change with Clarity: How to Keep Your Team Informed and Engaged

• Leading Through Change When Your Team Pushes Back

• Leading Through Change That Lasts: How to Maintain Momentum After the Announcement

If you need ready-to-use scripts, prompts, and templates for leading through change and uncertainty, download the Leadership Toolkit for Navigating Change.