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Welcome to episode 150 of Cultural Communication Confidence! It’s a milestone we’re celebrating- thank you so much for listening, whether this is your 1st episode or your 150th!
Today’s topic is something timely, relevant, and let’s be honest, a little bit uncomfortable: How do you lead yourself, and others, when you feel out of control?
Whether you’re currently navigating uncertainty, restructures, redundancies, economic or political instability, or you’re supporting others through it. Whether it’s happening to you directly or to someone in your circle, this conversation is about how to take practical steps forward, have agency and create movement, even when so much feels out of your hands.
We talk about how to stay resilient, visible, and effective in moments that challenge your confidence and identity.
What you will learn in this episode:
- Why control is an illusion, and what to focus on instead
- How to manage your mindset and emotional response during rapid change
- Practical ways to move from resistance to agency in uncertain times
- Shift your self-narrative
- Key strategies and foundations to establish
- What to accept and let go
Reflection Questions:
Take a moment after the episode to reflect on these questions, or journal on them if you prefer:
- Which of the strategies could help you start moving forward again?
- How are you supporting others while keeping your own emotional energy?
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Episode overview:
How to Lead When You Feel Out of Control
As a global leader, you’re expected to have vision, direction and clarity. But what happens when things around you start to shift and that feeling slips through your fingers?
In times of professional uncertainty, restructures, redundancy risk, or global events impacting you, the instinct is often to tighten your grip. But here’s the truth: control is, more often than not, an illusion.
Whether you’re going through it yourself, or supporting someone who is, this article based on the recent podcast episode, is your practical guide to navigating those moments of feeling out of control. Because as leaders, what truly matters is how we respond when everything feels up in the air.
Control Is an Illusion – So What Do We Focus On Instead?
Let’s start here. You cannot control every twist in your career, the decisions made by others, or the bigger global picture. That’s a hard reality for many ambitious, experienced leaders to accept.
But while you may not always be able to influence the situation, you can manage yourself through it. Your emotions, your mindset, your communication, your next actions, that’s where your power lies.
This shift in focus is not about minimising what’s happening. It’s about accepting the circumstances so that you can move forward.
Moving from Resistance to Acceptance
What often keeps leaders stuck is the internal resistance to change, a desire to push back against what’s happening and to try and “solve” the situation.
But resistance eats up energy. It stops momentum. And it can pull you into a spiral of frustration and anxiety.
Acceptance, on the other hand, gives you space to breathe. It allows you to start reframing the situation, not pretending it’s positive, but choosing to see what might be possible in the current reality. That shift opens the door to creative thinking, new ideas and renewed energy.
Rethinking Your Relationship with Time
Uncertainty often makes time feel distorted. You want quick answers, a resolution, a plan. But this impatience can increase stress and cloud decision-making.
One practical strategy I use with my clients is this: zoom out. Imagine yourself six or even twelve months from now. Picture what your work and career could look like, the potential positive outcome. Then ask yourself: what would that future version of me want me to know right now?
This simple reframing gives you perspective and helps you reconnect with your longer-term development and goals, and the knowledge that there is a possibility of a positive resolution.
Anchor Yourself with the Basics
In challenging times, it’s tempting to push through and ignore your own wellbeing. But strong leadership and emotional resilience don’t happen in a vacuum, they rely on solid physical foundations.
Borrowing a framework from Coach Adelle Martin, think about your Snooze, Move and Food:
- Snooze: Create a routine that supports healthy sleep
- Move: Get outside, keep physically active, focus on positive energy
- Food: Fuel your body, stay hydrated, and pay attention to your nutrition
It might sound simple, but this consistency can be the difference for your resilience when your environment is uncertain.
Shift Your Environment, Shift Your Mindset
Our physical space has a big influence on how we think and feel. If your current workspace feels heavy or stagnant, can you make a change?
Whether it’s switching rooms, heading to a co-working space or simply a temporary move by getting out for a walk, shifting your physical perspective can also shift your emotional one. This isn’t about escaping, it’s about creating new energy, different perspectives and thinking.
Don’t Retreat – Connect
In difficult moments, it’s easy to pull away, to isolate yourself and “figure things out” alone. But leadership is not a solo act.
Lean into your network. Stay connected with positive people who you know lift your energy. They might not have all the answers, but they’ll offer support, perspective, and sometimes even new ideas.
And if you’re managing others during this time, be present and supportive, but also clear on what energy belongs to you and what is theirs. Protect your boundaries and know when to let go of others’ emotions.
Know What Builds Your Resilience
This is about knowing yourself, truly. What are the activities, practices or routines that help you feel most like you?
Maybe it’s regular exercise, journaling, volunteering, a hobby, or learning something new. Whatever it is, prioritise it.
Reflection Questions
Take a moment to reflect on what’s resonated with you:
- What would moving from resistance to acceptance look like for you?
- Which of the strategies above could help you shift your energy or regain momentum?
- What resilience factors or routines do you need to prioritise right now?
If this article has struck a chord, and you’re navigating change in your own challenges, or supporting others through it, message me on LinkedIn at Victoria Rennoldson, and let’s talk about how I can support you.
