Leading Through Low Morale: How to Stay Strong When Everything Feels Uncertain
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You love your work. You’ve dedicated so many years to serving your people, the mission, and making a difference. But now, everything’s changed. Day after day, you face a new set of decisions that make little sense. If anything, they seem to oppose the very work you’ve committed your life to. Your team is suffering. To say they have low morale is an understatement.
How do you lead in these times of chaos and uncertainty when nothing makes sense?
And, let’s be honest—there are days when it feels impossible for you. Days when poor leadership, broken systems, or sheer exhaustion make you wonder if your work even matters.
Here’s the truth: It does.
And so do you.
As a leader, you’re not just responsible for managing tasks—you’re guiding people through uncertainty. You’re the calm in the storm. And even when the storm feels endless, you have more power than you think.
Read: Six Steps to Avoiding Burnout
When Morale is Low, First, Find Your Strength
You can’t lead from an empty tank. When you have low morale and you feeling drained, disengaged, or overwhelmed, start with yourself.
1. Reconnect to your purpose.
Why did you choose this path? Beyond the frustrations, what still matters to you about this work? Find that spark and hold on to it.
2. Control what you can.
You may not change policies or leadership decisions, but you can control your attitude, your influence, and the way you show up for your team.
3. Give yourself space.
Even five minutes of stepping away from the chaos—whether it’s taking a walk, breathing deeply, or writing your thoughts—can reset your mindset.
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Be the Leader You’d Want Your Boss to Be
If you’re struggling with poor upper management, a disengaged board, or political decisions that have nothing to do with your actual work, don’t let that define your leadership. You don’t need permission to create a healthy, engaged, and supportive environment for your team.
1. Acknowledge reality.
Your team knows when things are rough. Don’t sugarcoat it—but do offer hope. A simple “I know this is frustrating. And, we’ll figure it out as a team” goes a long way. When you confront a dark reality with belief in your collective strength, you empower your team to face it together. “This is hard, and we’re going to face it together” brings out the strength in your people.
2. Ask more than you tell.
In uncertain times, people crave a voice. Ask your team, “What’s one thing we can do to make this easier?” or “How can I support you right now?” And listen to what they say.
3. Protect your team.
When leadership is chaotic, shield your team where you can. Advocate for them. Give them the clarity that higher-ups aren’t providing.
Read: When Your High Performers Hit a Slump: How to Support Without Micromanaging
Keep People Engaged When Morale is Low
Disengagement spreads like wildfire in times of turmoil. As a leader, you have the power to shift the energy—one conversation, one moment at a time.
1. Celebrate small wins.
Even in the worst circumstances, progress exists. Acknowledge it. A quick “I see the effort you’re putting in” can help someone feel valued.
2. Bring them into the solution.
If decisions from above don’t make sense, ask, “How can we make this work for us?” People commit more when they help shape the path forward.
3. Find meaning in the moment.
Even when the big picture is blurry, focus on the impact of today. Who did you help? What problem did you solve? Focus on these small wins that reinforce what truly matters.
4. Hold on to one another.
Acknowledge one another–what you’ve been through, how you have one another’s backs, and commit to doing the best you can for one another, even as the storm swirls around you.
Your Leadership Matters More Than Ever
You might not fix everything. But you can create an environment where people feel heard, supported, and valued—where they can continue to make a difference. If not for all the work you’d like to achieve, then for one another.
That’s what real leadership looks like.
And in the middle of chaos, that’s exactly what people need.
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Leadership
Tags: Be A Leader, Motivation, Purpose
Karin Hurt helps human-centered leaders find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results. She’s the founder and CEO of Let’s Grow Leaders, an international leadership development and training firm known for practical tools and leadership development programs that stick, and the author of four books including Courageous Cultures: How to Build Teams of Micro-Innovators, Problem Solvers and Customer Advocates.
David Dye helps human-centered leaders find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results. He’s the President of Let’s Grow Leaders, an international leadership development and training firm known for practical tools and leadership development programs that stick. He’s the author of several books including Courageous Cultures and is the host of the popular podcast Leadership without Losing Your Soul.
