Uncertainty isn’t new—but the pace and scale of it today can feel overwhelming. Economic volatility, technological disruption, shifting workforce expectations—these aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the backdrop of every decision you make as a senior leader.
When the way forward is unclear, many leaders instinctively tighten their grip. They double down on control, micromanage, and try to predict every variable. But here’s the truth: control is an illusion. The leaders who thrive in turbulent times aren’t the ones who fight the current—they’re the ones who learn to surf the waves.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Why Going With the Flow Matters
Going with the flow doesn’t mean being passive or giving up on strategy. It means adapting without breaking, staying anchored in purpose while remaining flexible in execution.
Think of resilience as a muscle. Alecia Moore put it perfectly:
“Resilience is a muscle. Flex it enough and it will take less effort to get over emotional punches each time.”
When leaders resist reality—clinging to old plans or railing against circumstances—they waste energy and erode trust. Your team looks to you for stability, not rigidity. Adaptability is consistently ranked among the top predictors of leadership effectiveness during change.
The Trap of Control
Why do so many leaders get bent out of shape over things they can’t control? Because control feels safe. It gives the illusion of certainty. But in complex systems, over-control often backfires—slowing decision-making and stifling innovation.
Angela Duckworth reminds us:
“Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.”
Endurance—the ability to keep moving forward when the map is fuzzy—is what separates resilient leaders from reactive ones.
A Fictional Scenario: The Machinery of Government Shake-Up
Picture this: Two government directorates—Digital Innovation and Community Engagement—are being merged under a Machinery of Government (MOG) change. The announcement comes with a broad statement: “We’re creating a new Directorate for Citizen-Centric Innovation.”
Sounds exciting, right? Except no one knows what the final structure will look like. Will teams be co-located? Which systems will survive? Who will lead the new branches? Staff are anxious, rumours fly, and senior leaders are under pressure to provide clarity they simply don’t have.
This is where going with the flow becomes a leadership superpower. Instead of pretending certainty or clinging to old silos, the most effective leaders in this scenario:
- Anchor in purpose: “Our mission is to deliver better services for citizens—whatever the structure, that doesn’t change.”
- Model calm adaptability: “We don’t have all the answers yet, but we’ll share updates as soon as we do.”
- Empower decision-making: “Teams can start collaborating now on shared priorities—don’t wait for the org chart.”
By focusing on what they can influence and accepting what they can’t control, these leaders keep momentum and morale high—even when the final state is still a work in progress.
Five Practical Strategies for Senior Leaders
Here’s how you can strengthen your ability to “go with the flow” without losing direction:
1. Anchor in Purpose, Not in Plans
Plans will change. Purpose shouldn’t. Revisit your organisation’s “why” and communicate it relentlessly. When the destination feels uncertain, clarity of purpose is the compass.
2. Shift from Prediction to Preparation
Stop trying to forecast every twist. Instead, build capacity for rapid response. Scenario planning and cross-functional agility matter more than perfect predictions.
3. Model Calm Adaptability
Your team mirrors your emotional state. If you panic, they panic. If you stay grounded and curious, they’ll follow suit.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
4. Empower Decision-Making at the Edges
In uncertainty, centralised control slows everything down. Push authority closer to the action. Trust your people to act within clear guardrails.
5. Invest in Resilience Skills
Resilience isn’t just personal—it’s cultural. Offer training in adaptability, mindfulness, and stress management. Encourage reflection and recovery as much as performance.
- Lao Tzu: “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them—that only creates sorrow.”
- Elizabeth Edwards: “Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before.”
Consider the recent shift to hybrid work across the Australian Public Service. Leaders who clung to rigid office-based models struggled with engagement and productivity. Those who embraced flexibility—while keeping purpose front and centre—built trust and retained talent. Going with the flow didn’t mean abandoning standards; it meant adapting delivery to meet reality.
When times are uncertain, the leaders who thrive aren’t those who cling to control—they’re those who adapt with integrity. Going with the flow isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. It’s the ability to bend without breaking, to lead with courage when the map is blurry.
“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” – Robert Jordan
So, ask yourself: Are you the oak—or the willow?
Executive Summary
- Uncertainty is inevitable; control is an illusion.
- Resilient leaders adapt without losing purpose.
- Five strategies: anchor in purpose, prepare not predict, model calm, empower at the edges, invest in resilience.
- Going with the flow is not passive—it’s proactive leadership.
Final thoughts
Next time the ground shifts under your feet, pause before you tighten your grip. Ask: What can I control? What can I influence? What must I accept? Then lead with clarity, courage, and flexibility.
Reach out to The Workplace Coach today and explore how coaching can elevate your leadership style and help you be even more effective in your role.
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