“Volcano Panic Erupts! Residents of Alaska’s Biggest City Plunged Into Panic as They Are Warned to Brace for Earth-Shattering Explosion.”

That was a real headline I saw recently. One of many similar headlines.

But here in Anchorage, no one’s panicking. At least no one I know. We’re glad that the snow has finally melted and hoping it stays that way.

Why the disconnect? Because we’ve lived through this before. We’ve seen what actual eruptions look like—and what they don’t.

Sure, I bought extra air filters and wiper fluid. But after my big Amazon spending expedition—I have other things to focus on.

Strategic leadership in uncertain times requires discernment. “Earth-shattering explosions” will always be just around the corner.

Uncertainty is the word of the moment. Politically. Economically.

What will happen with (fill in the blank)? No one knows.

That doesn’t stop a continuous eruption of dire predictions and hyperbole masquerading as news.

For most people, the real issue isn’t the issue. It’s anticipation of the issue.

Specifically, the fear of what might happen. That is usually more troublesome than the actual experience.

Quick test: If you turned off all of your news feeds and social media for a week – would you even know what you should be hot and bothered about?

The takeaway: Current events and economics matter. But mindset matters more.

For leaders, the risk isn’t just the uncertainty around real issues like staffing, or funding, or regulatory environments. It’s about making knee-jerk pivots that erode long-term value and results.

What keeps you steady is your mindset. Because there will always be something to stress about.

Strategic Leadership – How to Glide Through Uncertainty in Peace and Happiness

During 2020, with COVID, no one knew what was going to happen. High uncertainty.

But most of my clients had their best year ever. That wasn’t true for many of their peers.

The difference?

They didn’t get stuck in the “What ifs.” They didn’t hunker down. They stayed focused on their goals. They played through the fouls and kept moving.

Here’s what I advised then—and what still works now:

Follow Your North Star

This is your values and your vision. Your values define how you relate to each other and what kinds of decisions you’ll make. Your vision defines what you are trying to build or accomplish.

This is the core of your strategy. Don’t change it. Don’t forget it.

Adjust Your Focus

Your values and vision don’t change. But your altitude, direction, and speed may.

I fly frequently. Airplanes hit bad weather all the time. When they do, they may reroute. But they still fly toward their destination.

No pilot says, “Folks, bad weather ahead. I’m going to stop piloting and just hope this works out.”

Neither should you.

Make appropriate adjustments to your plan. But don’t stop piloting.

Strategic leaders know turbulence tests more than plans—it tests your clarity and focus. In this economy, the edge belongs to those who can make adjustments while staying on-course.

Drop What Doesn’t Matter

In turbulent times, more demand is placed on a leader’s attention. This means you can’t do as much. You can’t have as many balls up in the air.

Great leaders prioritize. They decide what must stay in the air—and they set the rest down intentionally.

Out-Value the Chaos

In times of stress and uncertainty, people start to hoard. Many leaders cut back on the value they offer. Customers get less. Their team gets less.

Do the opposite.

Increase the value of what you offer. Improve something. Expand something. Meet new needs. Find new people to serve.

People notice and remember.

When COVID kicked in, I stopped selling services for three or four months. It just felt weird.
But I dramatically increased the services I gave away. I focused everything on keeping other businesses afloat.

That ended up being a banner year for me.

While others cut back, find ways to offer more.

Keep What Works

Certain leadership and organizational habits got you where you are.

Those are the habits that build your success. Things like clear communication, time management, or accountability practices.

I creatively call them “Success Habits.” It’s easy to let these slide under pressure. But they’re what keep you and your team on track.

Keep them. Stay on course.

Final Thought

Uncertainty is confusing. Leadership creates clarity and action.

That’s what leaders do—they find direction when no one else can see it.

Even if they don’t feel confident, they act with confidence. Because your people need confidence.

You can’t avoid difficult times. But you can and should learn to lead through them.

Find your North Star. Adjust your approach. Let go of what is unnecessary. Deliver more value. Keep what works.

This is how you thrive regardless of the conditions.

Take good care,
Christian

P.S. If you’re wrestling with uncertainty and want help clarifying your next strategic move—I’d love to hear what you’re facing. Reach out to me here.