Managers' Critical Role in Helping Their Team Members Navigate Uncertainty

Doerte Stiller, VP HR Development, Wintershall Dea AG

Leading in uncertainty is the new normal for managers. Rapid technological advancement, market volatility, complexity, globalization or takeovers – just to name a few reasons. So managers feel pressure for themselves in uncertain times, and in addition, the team members are expecting advice, coaching and support. It might be overwhelming when new manager concepts are presented to the managers, and they are asked to be either a ‘conscious’ leader or a ‘vulnerable’ leader. In those times when nothing is easy and important, managers are guided on the basics of their role. For some who are resilient, it is easier to navigate the team than it is for managers whose resilience is not that present.

“If managers fail to help their team members navigate through uncertainty, several negative consequences may arise, like decreased morale and motivation, increased stress and anxiety, decreased productivity and innovation”

In our company, we have provided our managers with a simple checklist called BRAVISSIMO. With the idea of a simple checklist outlining basic requirements for managers, they can be grounded and be helped to focus on the basics. Why BRAVISSIMO? Managers should get the inner stability that when doing these simple things on the checklist, they are already doing good, getting a confirmation: “Bravissimo, well done!”

Team members should not be left alone in times of uncertainty; managers have to be in constant contact with them.

If managers fail to help their team members navigate through uncertainty, several negative consequences may arise, like decreased morale and motivation, increased stress and anxiety, and decreased productivity and innovation.

Managers play a critical role in helping their team members navigate uncertainty by providing guidance, support, and reassurance. Failing to fulfil this role can have detrimental effects on employee well-being, productivity, and organizational success.