My wonderful wife invited family over tonight because she is off from teaching this week, and I will unfortunately not be able to do a Talking About session today. But, here's a topic to think about in the absence of our regular time together. 

I've seen an increasingly important topic in the world today: Leading Through Uncertainty. In today’s unpredictable world, marked by rapid change and constant disruption, leaders are called to provide clarity, stability, and purpose even when the path ahead is unclear. Effective leadership in uncertain times hinges not on having all the answers, but on demonstrating strong character, clear communication, and adaptable strategy. Historical figures like Generals Eisenhower and Powell illustrate how values-based leadership can inspire confidence and action in the midst of chaos.

The key thoughts today include: the importance of balancing confidence with humility, maintaining open and honest communication, and fostering trust by being both visible and emotionally aware. 

Great leaders adapt their approach without compromising their principles, and they offer guidance like a lighthouse in a storm — steady, reliable, and rooted in purpose. The defining trait of a strong leader in times of uncertainty is not certainty itself, but the ability to lead others with conviction, empathy, and unwavering moral grounding. 

The final challenge today is reflective: Consider what kind of presence you offer when things are uncertain, and whether your team sees someone worth following regardless of the unknowns ahead.

Note that to change our presence, we must first know it; then we must decide what we want to portray; then we have to create a new presence and practice it. (Of course, if you like your presence, just keep doing it while looking to improve if possible.)