How To Find Certainty In Uncertain Times

Fine-tune your communication, sales, and branding skills. 

Written by Robyn T. Braley

‘Uncertain’ is the word that best describes the business forecast for fall 2025. The wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and the threat from Iran are at the forefront. Lurking in the background is the question of what China's intentions are towards Taiwan. 

If that wasn't enough, China is now building a coalition with Russia, India, North Korea, and other countries in an effort to undermine U.S. influence. 

Then, there is the big, beautiful word – at least in the minds of some – TARRIFFS. Will they be introduced in new sectors, increased, expanded, reduced, or abolished altogether? Will U.S. courts succeed in declaring Trump-inspired tariffs illegal? Will the cost for businesses and consumers be minimal or substantial?

With the mercurial temperament of U.S. President Donald Trump and his influence on world events, no one knows! With Donald, things can be one way today and change entirely by tomorrow.

Global confidence has been negatively impacted. It can sink to the depths of despair in the morning and soar to euphoric heights by the afternoon, all because of a single social media post from the White House.

All of these combine to dampen the effect on economic forecasts because nothing is certain. And, economic growth depends on predictability.

Control What We Can

The best advice I can offer in these uncertain times is to focus on what you can control. We can’t control most outside influences, but we can control how we respond to them.

Active Listening! Tips to Help You Understand Better

When you ask a question, active listening helps you fully understand the answer!

It only makes sense! Why ask the question if you don't plan to fully listen to the answer?

Active listening is what follows asking thoughtful questions. When you ask a question, active listening allows the other person to know you hear what they are saying. They also help you better understand the entirety of that person's views, which is the goal of a meaningful conversation. You must listen with your entire body.

Culture Based On Trust

In the workplace, some leaders hear what they want to hear! They're selective in who they talk to and avoid tough conversations. That creates an information vacuum and a culture that discourages employee participation.

There's another side. Team members seldom risk asking hard questions if they don’t trust their leaders. They may say what their leader wants to hear rather than offer alternate ideas. Active Listening helps you build trust by showing you care. 

Meaningful conversations seldom happen unless there is trust. Building trust requires a safe, non-judgmental working environment free from the threat of retribution.

Activating listening demonstrates that you are present, attentive, and without an agenda, judgment, or preconceived notions. A culture that prioritizes trust over status fosters transparency and encourages open sharing of both good and bad news.

Check out my previous post ...

How to Ask Questions That Matter!