Leading with Transparency in Times of Uncertainty

Ethics Matters

Q3 2025

In uncertain times, people don’t need perfect leaders. They need honest ones. 

If there’s one thing we know about leadership, it’s this: uncertainty is part of the job. Whether it’s a major organizational change, an unexpected crisis, or just the unknowns related to the economy or the future, leaders are often asked to guide others through times when the answers aren’t clear. 

In those moments, people don’t expect you to be perfect. They don’t even expect you to have everything figured out. What they do expect is honesty. Understand that transparency builds trust – and trust is what people hold onto when everything else is uncertain. 

Being transparent means sharing honestly what you know, what you don’t know, and what steps you’re taking to find out more. Just initiating a simple conversation with others such as, “Here is where we are, here is what we are working on, and here is what we will share as soon as we know,” goes a long way. 

It is also important to show empathy. Change and uncertainty impact people in different ways. By acknowledging their concerns, listening to their questions, and keeping communication consistent, you show that you value the people who make results possible. 

Transparency paired with accountability strengthens credibility. People would rather follow a leader who admits they don’t have all the answers than one who pretends they do. 

In times of uncertainty, clear and honest communication isn’t just good leadership—it’s ethical leadership, and that’s what inspires lasting trust.