In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, leading through change is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Elise Mitchell, executive coach and former CEO, outlines seven leadership principles to help teams navigate uncertainty with courage, clarity, and compassion.
1. Accept Reality to Move Forward
Leaders often resist uncomfortable truths, delaying progress. Embracing what’s real—however challenging—creates space for strategic decisions and forward momentum.
2. Be Decisive Under Pressure
When data is incomplete and stakes are high, hesitation is costly. Effective leaders develop discernment, trust their instincts, and take action to keep teams moving forward.
3. Connect the Dots for Your Team
Resistance to change often stems from confusion. Leaders must clearly articulate what’s changing, why it matters, and how individual roles contribute to the bigger picture.
4. Remove the Roadblocks—Including Yourself
Often, the greatest barriers are internal: fear of failure, loss of control, or perfectionism. Mitchell emphasizes that courage must come before confidence, enabling leaders to unlock their full potential.
5. Ride Loose Through People Challenges
Borrowing from a motorcycle metaphor, Mitchell advises leaders to stay alert but not tense. Address conflict early, read the room, and resist the urge to control every outcome—growth often emerges from discomfort.
6. Stay Close to the Front Lines
Adopt Genchi Genbutsu (“go and see”). Get out of the tower and engage directly with your teams. Understand challenges firsthand, praise effort, and build trust through presence and empathy.
7. Show Up Every Day as Your Best Self
Leadership is an inner game. Reframe adversity, reprioritize, and define who you want to be in each challenge. Even when outcomes falter, daily commitment to excellence sustains momentum.
