Economic instability—from tariffs to federal funding cuts—isn’t the exception anymore. It’s the new normal. If you’re feeling unsure about how to move forward, you’re not alone.
For many organizational leaders, this year has been one of waiting, worrying, and wondering:
- Can we follow through on our strategic plan?
- Should we pause new initiatives?
- How do we lead our teams when we don’t have clear answers ourselves?
If you’re feeling stuck or hesitant to move forward, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re navigating what economists call a polycrisis: a moment where multiple disruptive forces are colliding at once. And in times like these, traditional strategic planning often fails to keep up.
So what should leadership look like in this moment?
1. Start with Strategic Clarity, Not Certainty
When leaders don’t have certainty, they often default to one of two extremes: freeze everything—or push ahead blindly. Neither is effective. Instead, focus on achieving clarity: clarity on your values, your highest-impact priorities, and the conditions that must be true for certain actions to move forward.
This might mean:
- Reprioritizing strategic goals to focus on the next 3–6 months instead of 12–18
- Revisiting assumptions that shaped your original strategy
- Pausing lower-impact initiatives in order to invest energy where it matters most
Clarity allows your team to move forward with confidence—even if the future remains uncertain.
2. Give Your Team Space to Re-Align
Many leadership teams are still operating off plans made in very different economic conditions. As a result, people are out of sync—moving fast, but not necessarily in the same direction.
Now is the time to bring your team together to:
- Revisit goals and strategic priorities
- Identify what’s no longer serving your mission
- Acknowledge the stress and burnout that often accompany prolonged ambiguity
A facilitated conversation—whether through a half-day session or monthly check-in—can create the space needed to pause, reflect, and recommit to what’s most important.
3. Name the Uncertainty—Then Lead Through It
One of the most powerful things a leader can do in uncertain times is to name it. Acknowledge to your team that yes—things are unpredictable, and yes—it’s okay to feel unsure.
But then lead.
Offer structure. Clarify what will stay consistent. Communicate how decisions will be made, even if they need to change later. Invite your team into the process so that they feel agency, not just anxiety.
This doesn’t require a perfect plan. It requires presence, communication, and trust.
4. Consider a Strategic Pivot Session
At Vianova, we’ve seen firsthand how many organizations are struggling to lead in the midst of disruption. That’s why we developed our Strategic Pivot Sessions—a focused, facilitated opportunity to:
- Reassess strategic priorities
- Align your leadership team
- Identify quick wins and essential shifts
- Leave with a clear action roadmap
They’re available in full-day or half-day formats—virtual or in-person—and are built specifically for moments like this one.
📍 Learn more about Strategic Pivot Sessions »
Lead with Purpose—Even When the Path Isn’t Clear
You don’t have to have all the answers. But you do need to bring your team together, focus on what matters most, and create space for smart, values-aligned decisions.
If you’re ready to regroup and refocus, we’re here to support you.
Let’s talk.
👉 Schedule a complimentary consultation
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