I don’t know about you, but the last few weeks (okay, days) have provided rich opportunities to practice what I preach—staying grounded in the present moment and leading with an agile mindset.
But what does that really mean in practice?
Rather than lighting my hair on fire or spinning out about every possible scenario that might unfold—or becoming paralyzed and overwhelmed by all the unknowns—I’m returning to a few core lessons that have carried me and my clients through uncertain seasons. These principles aren’t just comforting platitudes; they are daily practices and mindsets that help us move forward when the path isn’t clear.
Here’s what I keep coming back to:
- Focus on what is within your span of control and influence
In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to fixate on everything that’s outside our control. Instead, anchor yourself in what you can affect—your decisions, mindset, and next step, even if that is making yourself a cup of tea and checking in with your colleagues. This is where your energy is best spent. - Hold your plans lightly
Planning is still valuable, but agility comes from preparing rather than over-planning. Be ready to pivot. Think more about your and your team’s capacities and capabilities than fixed strategies. Preparation is about being equipped, not just having a script. Heightened uncertainty is a great time to re-energize your capacity for agility. - Make optimal use of your available resources
Constraints can be clarifying. Look at what you do have—time, talent, tools, relationships, values—and ask: how can I use these most effectively right now? Agility is not about having optimal resources; it is making optimal use of available resources. - Engage your Relational Web for support, uncertainty reduction, sense-making, and resource-sharing
We are not meant to go it alone. Research and your own experience show that when we are awash in uncertainty and volatility, it’s more important than ever to lean into your trusted network. Share your experiences, encouragement, and practical support. Together, we are more adaptive and resilient.
None of us knows—and truly, none of us has ever known—precisely what the future holds. Sometimes, that reality feels more obvious and more unsettling than others. But the truth remains: we only have this moment.
For more ideas to help you and your team develop your agility capability, read Developing and Sustaining Agile Leaders.