Michael McFall is the cofounder and co-CEO of BIGGBY COFFEE as well as the author of the Inc. Original books GRIND and GROW.
Leadership isn’t a title. It’s not a status unlock, a forever affirmation of your excellence or a crown you wear. It’s something fundamental. We know it when we see it. We see it when we need it most. We feel it in our souls.
People need leadership right now. The world and the workplace feel uncertain, unstable and on the precipice of potentially destabilizing change. There are many reasons for this: a new presidential administration taking office, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, headline-making layoffs, and many other less macro trends that impact people personally and profoundly.
After all, it’s in the minutia where chaos can truly find a foothold.
This is when true leaders (impactful leaders) make their mark. The secret is surprisingly subtle. It doesn’t take big speeches, sweeping innovation or grand gestures. It’s quite simple and easy: Leaders have to be stable.
Stability, the ability to remain composed, consistent and dependable, especially during times of change and stress, is the bedrock of trust and the quiet strength that allows others to feel secure and focused.
Here’s how you can be a stable leader at your company, for your employees and for yourself.
1. Stay Focused On The Bigger Picture
Change is inevitable. As the saying goes, “The only constant is change.” It’s true, but it also can’t dictate our leadership.
Why does your business or brand exist? Maybe you’re a small bakery aiming to bring joy to your neighborhood, a tech startup developing software to streamline complex processes or a non-profit dedicated to protecting endangered species.
The answer to this question—“Why?”—is your foundation, the driving force that centers you and smooths out the short-term jarring bumps. In times of change, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily whirlwind of events and overreact. However, effective leaders focus on the bigger picture: the long-term vision, goals and strategic objectives giving people focus.
Practically, this means effective leaders will:
• Define the bigger picture: Establish a 12- to 36-month vision for the company to inform and guide decision-making.
• Avoid distractions: Filter out noise and prioritize actions contributing to the long-term vision.
• Lead by example: Demonstrate your own commitment to the long-term vision.
Great leaders demonstrate stability by staying focused on the bigger picture. Knowing that change may be inevitable, they can remain constant and driven to reach a strategic destination.
2. Be Predictable And Consistent
People want to know what to expect when they come to work. This is about more than just their day-to-day workflows or responsibilities. They want to know what you will be like as a leader. Be a calming presence, not one that adds to their anxiety.
Will you be consistent, fair and supportive, or will you be petty and unpredictable, tossed about by every fleeting emotion and external pressure?
Being predictable and consistent may be anathema to a managerial cohort brought up to admire erratic and unpredictable leaders who eschewed consistency in the name of innovation or disruption. Still, it’s an essential trait of effective leaders, especially when change and uncertainty are the norm.
When leaders are predictable, employees are likely to feel more secure and confident. They know where they stand, what is expected of them and how decisions are made.
The result? Your people could experience less anxiety—and be more focused, more productive and more impactful.
To be sure, being a predictable and consistent leader doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a cultivated outlook that can be developed as you:
• Clearly communicate your values and expectations.
• Maintain a steady presence, even when things are hectic.
• Establish regular feedback loops with employees, providing both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. I’ve found that it’s important to maintain a regular cadence for communication and to treat all feedback as a dialogue.
By implementing these strategies, leaders can establish themselves as reliable figures who provide a sense of security and stability for their teams, even in the face of uncertainty.
3. Take Care Of Your People
Change can be unsettling. Even when upheaval isn’t imminent within your organization, broad societal and economic shifts can create a sense of unease, as external stressors inevitably impact workplace morale.
That’s why leaders must be attuned to the emotional climate within their teams and acknowledge the impact of uncertainty on employee well-being.
More specifically, change-ready leaders will:
• Create a safe space for open communication. I recommend doing this by working to understand and share about your team’s feelings.
• Practice active listening.
• Offer support and resources like teaching and training opportunities or wellness programs.
Organizations can further support these practices with regular town halls or team meetings for updates and addressing concerns, skill development and training opportunities to prepare employees for change, and recognition of employee efforts.
Whatever your practice, meet employees where they are, take care of your people and protect the soul of your organization: your people.
Change-Ready Leaders
Leaders who stay focused on the bigger picture, are predictable and consistent and take care of their people can foster resilient organizations that can navigate any challenge.
You don’t have to be perfect; just be progressing.
Start by taking a small step today that begins to build a sense of security, inspire confidence and empower your team to thrive.
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