September 29, 2026
Whether you’re a first-line supervisor or a CEO, no leader makes it through a career without some tough times. That’s life; and an effective leader should be prepared to take the good with the bad. Your tough time may be the result of issues outside your control — weather, suppliers, politics and the like. When that moment hits, regardless of cause, even an experienced leader may be inclined to flounder. The next time you’re in a sticky leadership situation, here’s my advice…
Don’t panic. Take time to review the facts, study the numbers and reflect on the context. You will make better decisions with a cool head, so do your best to stay calm. The situation might require difficult action, but it is your responsibility as a leader to see that action to the finish line. The best path forward is to listen, learn and then (and only then) act to correct the problem.
Communicate in the most practical way for your organization. When things are not going well, everyone can feel it. Resist the urge to pretend nothing is wrong; instead, let the team know you are working on the issue and promise to keep them regularly informed. Avoiding the issue only creates skepticism, rumors and distrust — and that makes it harder to right the ship.
If the issues are internal, look for solutions by spending time with those closest to the work. Ask questions, listen, and remember to stay open rather than defensive or accusatory. This will lead to a better understanding of the problem and will position you well to design a solution. When you see light at the end of the tunnel, move toward it as positively as you can. The sooner you fix what’s broken and return the organization to normal, the better for everyone.
Don’t be afraid to get help during the rough seasons. If your tough times include releasing staff, work closely with your boss and/or your HR team. Follow the plan, keep the conversation calm, and offer whatever assistance you can with new jobs and references. For broader issues, consider speaking confidentially with someone you admire and trust. I remember a tough stretch in my career when a long, probing conversation with my wife was guaranteed to help me reach a productive conclusion. This is still true, but my problems feel much smaller today!
The bottom line: no leader can escape rough waters. When your organization is inevitably dealt a blow, remember that transparency is the best path to stability with your workforce. Be straightforward and honest with your people, and in the long run, they’ll respect you for your leadership through the challenging times. You’ll have survived — and learned a great deal — from a difficult situation.
published Nashville Business Journal
