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4 Tips for Leading in Uncertain Times (2025 Edition)

Navigating uncertainty has become a core leadership competency, not a temporary challenge. This article shares four timeless strategies — simplifying goals, validating assumptions, sharpening focus, and reflecting with intention — now refreshed for 2025. Discover practical leadership techniques like Leader’s Intent, the Pomodoro Method, and 3-I Your Week to help you and your team thrive through change.

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Is 2025 going as you predicted?

That might feel like a trick question, because in constant uncertainty, very little goes exactly as planned. Economic swings, global conflicts, AI-driven disruption, and shifting workplace dynamics mean change now arrives in days or weeks, not months or years.

Back in 2016, I shared four practical ways to lead through uncertainty. Nearly a decade later, the fundamentals are still sound. But the stakes are higher. The pace of change has accelerated, the pressure on leaders has intensified, and navigating uncertainty has become a core leadership competency, not a temporary challenge.

So I reframed the piece for 2025, integrating sharper tools and next-level strategies to help you and your team lead through change with greater clarity, resilience, and impact.

1. Simplify

Complexity can overwhelm, but clarity inspires. Great leaders cut through noise by articulating the desired outcome in simple, concrete terms.

One proven way to do this is the technique called Leader’s Intent.

Here’s how: Ask, “What does success look like?” Capture three to five specific end states (e.g., “By the end of this product launch, customer support tickets are cut in half,” or “Our new AI policy is adopted across every department with confidence.”).

This exercise not only clarifies goals but also accelerates team alignment, which is critical in a world where hybrid teams, multiple time zones, and rapid pivots are the norm.

Download the Leader’s Intent PowerPlay™.

2. Validate

The biggest challenge I see in executing work is the failure to manage assumptions. This makes the disruption of uncertainty far worse than it needs to be, often resulting in wasted effort, unnecessary conflict, and reactive “fire-fighting” instead of proactive progress.

Assumptions are part of life, but when we treat them as facts without validation, we raise the risk of being wrong and having to redo work. To prevent this, use a simple approach: first identify the assumptions, then validate the information you’re giving or receiving.

Here’s how.

  • Whenever you hear phrases like “it should,” “we think,” or “I believe” — flag it. Ask, “Has that been validated?”
  • If not, decide whether it’s safe to proceed or if you need confirmation.

In 2025, validation also means leveraging AI and data analytics without over-relying on them. Smart leaders ask, “Where’s the human judgment in this?” as often as they ask, “What does the data say?”

3. Focus

We all drift into the “weeds” at times, reacting to issues instead of driving progress. When that happens, it’s important to reset and reclaim your attention.

One simple way to do this is the Pomodoro Technique.

Here’s how.

  • Write down a few tasks, then set a timer for 25 minutes.
  • Eliminate every distraction — no email, no texts, no calls, no interruptions.
  • Work on your first item until the timer goes off, then stop, even if you’re mid-task.
  • Step away for exactly 5 minutes: stretch, grab water, or check messages.
  • After the break, do one more Pomodoro (they work best in pairs).

In just one hour, you’ll accomplish more with clarity and focus than in half a day of scattered effort.

Download the Pomodoro Method PowerPlay™ for a useful resource.

4. Reflect

We work hard, but are we working smart? If your days feel like you’re just sprinting from task to task, it’s time to pause, reset, and regain control. Reflection is required for strategic leadership.

Here’s how.

Try the 3-I Your Week technique, a simple, weekly ritual that keeps you focused on what truly moves the needle

  • Each Sunday, identify the 3–5 key objectives (“rocks”) you want to tackle over the next couple of weeks. Then reflect using two questions:
    • Did you make meaningful progress or complete each item?
    • If not, why? What obstacle held you back, and how will you overcome it next week? If yes, what worked well that you should repeat?

Carry forward any unfinished items to your next weekly list.

Then, break your list into two types of actions:

  • Tasks needing input from others — set clear expectations with deadlines via email or calendar invites.
  • Tasks only you can do — block time on your calendar to protect that work.

Making this planning ritual a Sunday-night habit helps shield you and your team from reactive “fire drills” and gives space to lead with intention.

Download the 3-I Your Week PowerPlay™.

Bring It All Together

Uncertainty in 2025 isn’t slowing down. But that can be good news, because leaders who simplify, validate, focus, and reflect will be better prepared to navigate challenges and uncover new opportunities.

I use the techniques in this article throughout my executive coaching, helping leaders create systems that support clearer thinking, stronger decisions, and real delegation. They are also featured in my Lead For Tomorrow keynote and workshop. Schedule a call to learn more.