When certainty goes down, communication should go up.
During times of uncertainty, people will make up their own version of the truth in order to create certainty-even if it’s not true or practical. It’s a human need to want a level of certainty, and some people operate better when they can see what’s coming. If no-one else is giving them that, they make their own.
As leaders, it’s crucial to give a level of assurance – even if that’s just a tiny signal; a quick chat in the hallway, a smile or nod when working through something challenging, support to make a decision or a reassuring comment.
I often talk to my clients about becoming CRO’s – Chief Repeating Officers. If you think your people have heard it already, then you’re probably 10% of the way there.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Sometimes it’s not easy to get it right, but as a leader, your role is to build up trust and transparency whenever possible, choosing candour over control.
So today I ask of you….
What behaviours are you demonstrating to create certainty for your people?
Need some support to get it right? Send me an email: [email protected]
Let’s connect! I would love for you to join the conversation over on LinkedIn.
