The Challenge of Change and Uncertainty

Most people would say yes! Nationwide, in all different fields of work and study, the issues are universal. There is a great deal of emotional context in those statements as well. It’s undeniable that we have been experiencing constant change and uncertainty in our lives. There is a significant amount of ambiguity surrounding key aspects of our current situation. Many of us feel the pressure to do more with less and are quite possibly feeling more compliant than committed to our goals. Furthermore, it’s evident that leadership has not always effectively addressed human and emotional issues, leaving room for improvement in this area.

Talent often goes unrecognized, with many individuals feeling like they have limited options. These challenges are not unique to a specific field; they resonate nationwide. The emotional component of these issues cannot be overlooked. If you look at an iceberg head-on, all you see is the surface. That indicates surface change. What you cannot see is the emotional change on people, the demands for new learning, what people must “unlearn” and let go of in order to continue to learn and the deep “stuckness” that applies in learning and leading.

There are many emotions associated with powerful learning experiences. Excitement, challenge, pride, etc., just to name a few; however, fear, frustration, anxiety, and stress are also very much present in a new learning experience, and often, those feelings come first. Do you agree?

It is a challenge as both a leader and a learner to balance your emotions. If you want to lead others somewhere new, you need to meet them where they are.

We often use the word communication to convey a variety of elements. In this scenario, communication and connection could be interchangeable. In order to successfully communicate, you must be able to connect to your audience.

What We Expect from Leaders

The bar has been raised for people to possess authentic leadership skills.

We expect leaders to be

• Tough and Empathetic
• Courageous and Vulnerable
• Passionate and Compassionate
• Pillars of Strength and Regular Folks
• Self-Reliant and Trusting of Others
• Change Agent and Conserver of the Past

Ultimately, people expect their leaders to be both superhuman and relatable. Striking this balance presents a unique challenge. Can we realistically expect leaders to embody both extremes at all times?

To learn more on how to expand your authentic leadership skills, check out Leading with Authenticity during Challenging Times, presented by Dr. Kerry Bunker.