112: "How Should Leaders Manage in Moments of Uncertainty?" ft. Alli Murphy
Uncertainty isn’t new — but leaders still keep making the same mistakes when it shows up. In this candid collab, Erik Berglund and co-host Alli Murphy unpack what not to do when things feel unstable, why our instincts often betray us, and how leaders can respond with intention instead of panic. From boundary erosion to over-functioning, this conversation is a grounded, practical look at leadership when the ground won’t stop moving.
🧭 Conversation Highlights
- Why uncertainty causes leaders to revert to old habits, not rise to new ones
- The three leadership traps that feel helpful but quietly create dependency
- The danger of false optimism — and why “everything’s fine” erodes trust
- How doing more as a leader can actually make things worse
- A simple bandana metaphor you’ll never forget
💡 Key Takeaways
- Uncertainty doesn’t require more control — it requires more intention
- Leaders create dependence when they give answers instead of developing thinking
- Over-functioning is often a fear response, not a leadership strategy
- Naming reality builds trust faster than spinning optimism
- Most leadership situations are not life-or-death — panic is optional
❓ Questions That Mattered
- What do leaders consistently get wrong in times of uncertainty?
- When things feel unstable, why do boundaries disappear first?
- How does “helping” turn into dependency without us realizing it?
- What actually builds confidence in teams when answers are unclear?
- What reminder would stop leaders from panicking in the moment?
🧠 Concepts, Curves & Frameworks
- Baseline Reversion: Under pressure, we default to old habits — not new skills
- Over-Functioning Leaders: Doing the work for others to feel in control
- False Certainty Trap: Pretending clarity exists when it doesn’t
- Intentional Leadership: Choosing responses instead of reacting on instinct
- “Don’t Panic” Principle: Most leadership moments aren’t emergencies
🧰 Put This Into Practice
- Pause before stepping in — ask if the work actually belongs to you
- Replace answers with questions that build thinking capability
- Name uncertainty directly instead of smoothing it over
- Protect your boundaries — they’re leadership tools, not luxuries
- Ask: Am I acting out of habit or intention right now?
🗣️ Notable Quotes
“When uncertainty shows up, humans revert to their baseline.”
“If you keep handing out answers, you’re training dependence.”
“Less talking, more listening is often the move in uncertainty.”
“Most people listening don’t work in life-or-death environments — don’t panic.”
“Doing things out of habit feels productive, but intention is what actually helps.”
🔗 Links & Resources
