What a difference a week makes. Last Wednesday, I wrote about “Tariff Day 2025” and how leaders could navigate the storm of new U.S. tariffs with empathy and courage. This past week, global markets were in a tailspin, and plans for dealing with counter-tariffs are the topic on every boardroom agenda. The mood is tense. While the spotlight falls on CEOs and senior executives during moments of uncertainty, it’s ultimately teams that will drive how organizations respond – and emerge on the other side.

The Truth About Uncertainty
It’s natural to feel a rush of anxiety when the markets nose-dive, as we’ve seen. Many wonder if they should brace for layoffs, budget cuts, or a freeze on innovation. However, there is a silver lining: uncertainty also unleashes creativity. Teams that communicate, collaborate, and coordinate can transform chaos into opportunity. This might involve what -if storming, revamping offerings to mitigate supply chain risk, pooling resources to address emerging gaps, or introducing a value-added service to support customer needs. The point is that crisis can catalyze growth if teams are equipped to seize the moment.

Here are five strategies that you can implement now.

1. Communicate, Communicate, and Then Communicate
   Teams need regular, honest dialogue, especially in tense times. Whether it’s a quick daily check-in, an extended weekly huddle, or a town hall, create a rhythm that keeps everyone in sync. Help people surface issues, share updates, and dispel rumors. The faster teams exchange information, the faster they can adapt to changes.
2. Shift from Silos to Shared Purpose
   When the market slides, some teams hunker down, focusing solely on their narrow objectives. That’s a recipe for stagnation. Instead, break down silos, and invite other functions into your planning. Sales will have insight into customer anxieties, while Ops can pinpoint supply chain vulnerabilities. Finance can forecast short-term impacts, and HR can highlight skill gaps. Together, you’ll gain a more comprehensive and actionable picture while strengthening your team muscle.
3. Lean on Empathy to Stay Unified
   If empathy was crucial a week ago, it’s even more critical now. Your team members are likely concerned about job security, personal finances, or global instability. Encourage open dialogue in meetings and make one-on-one time for team members to share their concerns or anxieties. Sometimes, just knowing someone is listening helps diffuse tension and build trust. And where there’s trust, innovation and bold action can thrive.
4. Practice “Small Wins” Resilience
   When every headline shouts doom, celebrating incremental successes becomes even more critical. Did your team find a faster process? Acknowledge it. Did someone step up with a new idea that might buffer against the chaos? Shine a spotlight on it. Small wins fuel momentum and remind people that progress is possible, even in the midst of turmoil. Over time, small wins accumulate into a more resilient – and possibly anti-fragile – team culture.
5. Ask Bold Questions
   Real adaptation begins with bold questions: “What if we repositioned our customer delivery model to mitigate potential bottlenecks?” “What if we explore forming a strategic partnership to mitigate risk?” In times of upheaval, complacency is your biggest enemy. Encourage your team to challenge the status quo and emphasize that no idea is off – limits. Those explorations might seed your next breakthrough.

Rising Above Together
In a landscape fraught with volatility, the teams that stand out are those that maintain open communication, collaborate empathetically, and consistently look for opportunities hidden in the chaos. This moment demands nimble thinking and collective action – precisely the strengths a genuinely cohesive team can offer.

If you’re feeling the weight of market freefall, remember you’re not in it alone. You have a team. Listen to them, trust them, and push them to seize new possibilities – you might find that adversity becomes a catalyst for harmony.

Let’s unlock better – together.