Leading Change in the “New Ab-Normal”-- Communicate Early and Often

Posted May 22, 2026 by Rick

This is the third message in my series on leading through today’s chronic uncertainty and change—what I’ve been calling our “New Ab-Normal.”

When uncertainty rises, many leaders instinctively become more cautious in how they communicate. They wait for clearer facts, a settled plan, or better answers before speaking. It feels responsible. In practice, it often has the opposite effect.

During times of change, employees are not only looking for decisions—they are looking for signals. They want to know: What is happening? What does it mean? What should I expect? Am I being kept in the loop?

When leaders go quiet, people rarely interpret that silence as patience or prudence. More often, they interpret it as risk. In the absence of information, employees fill in the blanks themselves—and those assumptions often skew negative.

That is why positive communication is such an essential element in our Six Traits of Agile Organizations. In uncertain times, communication is not a side activity. It is a critical part of leadership discipline.

Research supports this. Leadership communication that is transparent, authentic, empathetic, and optimistic has been shown to reduce employees’ uncertainty and strengthen trust in the organization. Similarly, research on psychological safety shows that in uncertain environments, people are more likely to contribute ideas, raise concerns, and adapt effectively when leaders create conditions where candor feels safe rather than risky. [instituteforpr.org], [library.hbs.edu]

The implication for leaders is straightforward: communicate before you feel fully ready. Share what you know, acknowledge what you do not know, and explain what comes next. Be visible. Be consistent. Repeat key messages. And just as important—listen with empathy.

Agile cultures are built on trust, and trust is built through communication that is steady, human, and credible. When leaders communicate early and often, they help reduce fear, increase clarity, and create the conditions for resilience, engagement, and innovation.

Positive communication is not simply about sounding reassuring. It is about helping people stay grounded, connected, and ready to move positively through change.