Staying Grounded in Turbulent Situations

Uncertainty in the Workplace: 5 Strategies to Steady Yourself

A few days ago, I spoke with a senior executive grappling with uncertainty. After nearly two decades of steady career progression, he suddenly found himself in limbo. His company, once an industry leader, had been acquired, and leadership changes were unfolding at a dizzying pace. His role was being restructured, and while he wasn’t immediately out of a job, the future felt anything but certain.

Create Predictability Where You Can

When external events feel chaotic, creating structure in your daily life is essential. Research by Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a leading expert on positive psychology, shows that small daily habits can significantly improve our emotional resilience. Establishing routines—whether it’s a morning walk, a structured work schedule, or a weekly check-in with a mentor—can provide a sense of control in an otherwise unpredictable world. For example, during previous economic downturns, leaders who maintained consistent routines—such as daily planning sessions or team check-ins—reported feeling more grounded and capable of making sound decisions under pressure.

Anchor in Self-Certainty, Not Situational Certainty

In times of uncertainty, we can’t always count on external stability, but we can count on ourselves. This is a core theme in The Courage Gap, where I explore how developing self-certainty—the ability to trust in your own strengths, values, and ability to navigate uncertainty—is essential to thriving in unpredictable times.

Focus on What You Can Control

Uncertainty fuels anxiety, in large part because our minds fixate on what we can’t control. However, studies have shown that individuals with a strong internal locus of control—those who focus on what they can influence—experience lower stress levels and higher adaptability.

Make Decisions Based on The Future You Want, Not What You Fear

Fear is a terrible strategist. When we make decisions based on what we want to avoid rather than what we want to create, we end up playing small, avoiding risks, and staying stuck.

Treat Emotions as Signals, Not Commands

Uncertainty triggers strong emotions—fear, frustration, anxiety. But as Susan David, author of Emotional Agility, explains – emotions are data, not directives. Neuroscience research has shown that stress impairs the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for logical decision-making. If we react impulsively to our emotions, we risk making fear-based choices rather than wise ones.

Conclusion

When uncertainty runs high, fear can hijack our thinking, making the present feel permanent rather than just one chapter in a much larger story. Yet as unsettling as this moment feels, it will pass—just as every period of upheaval before it has. Markets will stabilize, industries will adapt, and new opportunities will emerge. Those who navigate uncertainty best aren’t the ones resisting change or consumed by fear or doom-scrolling 24/7. Rather they are those who are proactively taking actions that will position them best to seize opportunities that always emerge from such times.

FAQs

• Q: How can I deal with uncertainty in the workplace?
  A: Create predictability by establishing routines, focus on what you can control, and make decisions based on the future you want, not what you fear.
• Q: How can I overcome fear and uncertainty?
  A: Treat emotions as signals, not commands, and develop self-certainty by trusting in your own strengths, values, and ability to navigate uncertainty.
• Q: What can I do to prepare for the future?
  A: Take intentional action, focus on what you can control, and create a plan for the future you want.