Change is rarely comfortable. Whether you're scaling something new or fixing what’s broken, people look for direction, steadiness, and trust. And that’s not something you can fake—it has to be lived and shown every day.
These are six leadership principles I’ve found to be essential during periods of transition. I don’t present them as universal truths, just what’s worked for me—and what I still try to live by:
1
Lead with clarity, even when certainty is impossible.
You won’t have all the answers—but people need to know what you do know, what you’re working on, and what you stand for. Clear communication beats perfect strategy every time.
2
Show up consistently.
In times of change, your presence matters more than your position. Whether it’s walking the floor or picking up the phone, being visible and available builds trust.
3
Listen deeply and often.
People need to feel heard before they’re willing to follow. Listening—really listening—is not just a sign of respect; it’s how you find the truth.
4
Protect the culture, but evolve the mindset.
Values are your anchor. But how those values show up must shift with the times. Growth requires both preservation and adaptation.
5
Make decisions—and own them.
Indecision breeds fear. Even if you’re wrong, decisive action with accountability gives people confidence that someone is driving the bus.
6
Take care of your people (and yourself).
Sustainable change only happens when people aren’t burning out. That includes you. Be the example of balance, care, and resilience that others can draw strength from.
There’s a lot more that could be said—and I’m sure others have their own hard-won lessons. I’d love to hear them. But these are the six things that continue to ground me when everything else is in motion.
Lessons That Ground Me
There’s a lot more that could be said—and I’m sure others have their own hard-won lessons. I’d love to hear them. But these are the six things that continue to ground me when everything else is in motion.
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