Irma Becerra is president of Marymount University, a comprehensive doctoral-granting university known for its innovative curriculum.
At its core, leadership is all about navigating through unexpected disruptions that interfere with organizational goals, especially during turbulent times. As I’ve written in previous articles, leaders—whether or not we “get paid the big bucks”—are expected to chart a path forward, particularly when the way ahead is unclear.
The Covid-19 pandemic presented one of the most concentrated periods of uncertainty in recent memory, challenging leaders across industries to adapt in real time. Today, many of us are experiencing a similar sense of instability—not from a global health crisis but from the rapid pace of change driven by technological advancement and shifting federal policies. The integration of AI into the workforce and major transitions within the federal government are creating ripple effects across every sector of the economy.
Rapid change often brings with it organizational anxiety. We all have different capacities for absorbing uncertainty, and that’s why I believe staying calm and positive as a leader is essential.
Displaying A Calming Presence
As the president of a university, I’ve witnessed firsthand many growing concerns among students, faculty and staff in response to national policy shifts. These challenges are real and complex, and they understandably create anxiety that could result in increased absenteeism, turnover and lack of productivity. But it’s also been my experience that how leaders respond to such uncertainty can make all the difference.
In times like these, leaders must be the “eye of the storm,” representing a stabilizing force amidst chaos. Your team will look to you for reassurance and hope. A leader who remains calm and positive doesn’t pretend challenges don’t exist but instead models resilience and perspective. On the other hand, a leader who reacts with visible distress or indecision can unintentionally escalate collective anxiety.
Positivity in leadership isn’t about blind optimism. It’s about instilling confidence, inspiring focus and reinforcing the belief that together, you can weather whatever lies ahead.
Cultivating Your Composure And Positivity
How can leaders maintain their composure and positivity in times of strain? It starts with taking care of yourself through work-life balance. Just as flight attendants remind us to secure our own oxygen masks before helping others, leaders must prioritize their own well-being to be fully present and supportive of their teams.
Some simple but powerful strategies include:
• Eating well and staying hydrated.
• Prioritizing rest and sleep.
• Getting regular exercise.
• Spending time in nature.
• Staying connected with loved ones.
• Engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy.
• Saying “no” to draining obligations when possible.
Alongside self-care, open and frequent communication is important. I’ve found that while uncertainty breeds anxiety, transparency can counteract it, so consider sharing regular updates with your team. Acknowledge what you know, what you don’t know and what steps are being taken. Create space for dialogue, and make sure people feel heard and supported.
Celebrating Success To Build Momentum
In her book Confidence: How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin and End, Rosabeth Moss Kanter examines how athletic teams that experience winning streaks create their own positive momentum and increase their confidence, sparking a positive feedback loop. The same phenomenon can occur in organizations when teams celebrate the small victories. I’ve found that recognizing your team’s achievements, no matter how small, can be especially powerful in uncertain times.
Celebrating success can reinforce morale, build confidence and remind people of what’s working, even when external circumstances feel shaky. It can also affirm your team’s adaptability and strengths—traits that will carry your organization through difficult times.
Final Thoughts
Uncertainty is inevitable. Strong leadership isn’t about eliminating all unknowns—it’s about guiding your organization through uncertainty with clarity, confidence and care. By staying calm and positive, prioritizing self-care, maintaining open communication and celebrating your team’s wins, you can help your organization remain focused and resilient in the face of rapid change. When you embody the calm at the center of the storm, you can inspire trust and cultivate the confidence needed to keep moving forward.
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