Trust Yourself First: Leadership Tips for Staying Grounded in Uncertain Times

Change is inevitable. But when disruption hits hard—like being laid off, laying off team members, or navigating major upheaval at work—it can leave even the most grounded professionals feeling uncertain, reactive, or even numb. The ability to trust yourself, manage your emotions, and lead with clarity is the only way to navigate the storm with your sanity intact.

I know it’s a cliché, but the only constant is change. In my career, I’ve seen a lot of workplace disruptions. Events that devastated our society and our livelihoods, like 9/11, the Great Recession and The Pandemic. To company-specific events, like CEO and functional leadership changes, ethical scandals and “Reductions in Force” (RIF or layoff). I’ve been on the giving and receiving end of a lot of uncomfortable conversations. 

In my coaching practice, one thing I see leaders struggle with is managing themselves in the midst of disruptive change. You can survive and eventually thrive in the midst of those uncomfortable moments.

Here are the lessons I've learned to build internal stability when everything around you feels in flux.

1. Rebuild Trust in Yourself, One Thought at a Time

In disruptive moments, self-doubt often creeps in. You may question your decisions, your worth, or your future. That’s normal—but it’s not the whole story.

Start here:

• Pause and reflect on what’s still TRUE about you. What strengths have helped you navigate past challenges? What values guide your actions?

• Challenge the “inner critic.” If you’ve been laid off, it’s easy to assume the worst about your value. But layoffs often reflect structural shifts, not personal shortcomings.

• Keep promises to yourself. Even small commitments—like taking a walk, reaching out to a mentor, or updating your resume—can help you rebuild inner trust through consistent action.

Trust in yourself isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about believing that you’ll figure it out, step by step.

2. Name and Navigate Your Emotions (Instead of Suppressing Them)

Big changes bring big feelings. Whether it’s grief, anger, guilt, fear, or relief—your emotional responses are valid. The goal isn’t to suppress them; it’s to make space for them and move through them with intention.

Here’s how:

• Name what you’re feeling. Research shows that simply labeling emotions reduces their intensity and helps you respond more thoughtfully.

• Choose a healthy outlet. Journaling, talking to a coach or therapist, or even walking and breathing deeply can help process emotions.

• Don’t numb out. Overworking, over-scrolling, or over-consuming (food, alcohol, news, gossip) can delay healing and keep stress simmering beneath the surface.

The more you’re willing to feel your emotions, the more resilience you build for the next wave.

3. Lead Yourself Before You Lead Others

If you’ve had to lay off team members or lead others through disruption, the emotional weight can feel immense. There’s no field manual for these moments. But the first place to lead is always inward.

What that looks like:

• Practice radical honesty and empathy. Acknowledge the pain or uncertainty—yours and theirs—without trying to fix it right away.

• Hold space for the present and the future. You can grieve the loss of your team and still feel hopeful about what’s next.

• Create small pockets of stability. Even a short check-in meeting, a daily ritual, or sending someone else an encouraging message can remind you (and others) that you’re not alone.

Great leadership during disruption isn’t about perfect decisions—it’s about showing up fully human.

4. Anchor Yourself in What You Can Control

Disruption can breed a sense of powerlessness. That’s why it’s crucial to identify and focus on what’s within your control. Even if it’s small.

Try this:

• Focus on your routines. Consistent sleep, movement, hydration, and breaks can re-regulate your nervous system.

• Make micro-decisions. Whether it’s scheduling a career conversation or creating a budget, small actions restore a sense of agency.

• Reconnect to purpose. Ask yourself: What kind of leader or colleague do I want to be, even in hard times?

In chaos, your choices are your anchor. They remind you of your power, even when the path ahead is unclear.

5. Reach Out—Even When You Want to Withdraw

Disruption often triggers isolation. You may feel embarrassed or afraid of burdening others. But connection is a powerful antidote to distress.

Here’s what to do:

• Lean on your support system. Friends, peers, coaches, and mentors can provide perspective—and remind you of your worth.

• Be transparent (within reason). You don’t have to overshare, but naming your experience honestly helps others show up for you.

• Offer support, too. Helping others, even in small ways, strengthens your sense of purpose and connection.

The hardest moments are not meant to be carried alone.

Final Thoughts

You can’t control every disruption—but you can control how you respond, how you care for yourself, and how you show up for others. By building self-trust, tending to your emotions, and taking intentional action, you lay the groundwork for a more resilient, grounded version of yourself—no matter what change brings.

If you or your team are navigating disruption, and you're looking for a sounding board, a strategy, or simply someone who gets it—schedule a free consultation - let’s map your next step forward, together.