Summary: Chaos is inevitable. Whether it’s a sudden shift in the market, a workplace conflict spiraling out of control, or a global crisis that turns everything upside down, leaders are often thrown into the eye of the storm. The question is not if chaos will happen but how you will respond when it does.
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
I learned a great deal in your Total Leadership Connections Program.
In fact, I now have my Executive Team doing the on-line version and they say it is extremely helpful.
However, recent business events far out of my control are shaking the very foundation of our import/export company.
I would like some specific suggestions so that we can get our entire company to deal with the constant chaos that seems to come at us (as well as many other organizations) daily.
Signed,
Exhausted
Chaos is a Teacher of Strength and Resolve
Dear Exhausted,
When significant changes are right in front of us we must dig deep for ways to go beyond surviving and get to thriving.
Not easy, whether it is the death of someone close to us, or a redesign for a business.
However, certain basic methods are required to keep swimming in the fray until we get to shore.
I learned this when my entire life was on verge of collapse years ago.
What a week! I had to contend with three major issues. My husband and I had a final ugly argument. He packed a bag and left. This time, it was final. I was on my own with teenage daughters, a large mortgage, and lots of grief.
Later that day I was told by my mother’s physician that the results from her cancer diagnosis shows she had a limited time left on this planet.
To make it a triple mess, my business partner and I decided to part ways. Yes, that very week was full of sadness and disappointments.
It was a “trifecta” of chaos to sweep the slate clean.
What I learned in those dark days was the power of standing strong during chaos.
I also learned that my future career and a new, better relationship were waiting on the other side of all the disarray. What would determine success was my ability to, as Winston Churchill said, “Never. never give in.”
We Are Stronger Than We Realize
After licking my wounds for a short time, I began to explore my life in new ways.
Here is some of what I learned about the power of chaos and how to stand strong in the midst of the deluge.
Great leaders Don’t just Survive Chaos; They Use It as a Catalyst for Transformation.
If you’re finding yourself amid disorder, uncertainty, or unexpected disruptions, here’s how to emerge stronger, wiser, and more effective than ever.
Pause Before Reacting to Difficult Situations
The worst thing a leader can do in times of chaos is to act from a place of fear or urgency without thinking clearly.
When stress spikes, we default to old habits—some of which may not serve us well. Before making a decision, take a deep breath, step back, and observe.
This moment of pause allows you to engage all three centers of intelligence: Head (logic), Heart (compassion), and Gut (instinct)—a key concept I explore in my upcoming book GLIMMERS: How Head, Heart, and Gut Illuminate the Leader’s Path.
Identify the Patterns
Chaos is never random. It follows patterns—some visible, some buried deep in history. Think back:
- Have you been in a similar situation before?
- Is there a recurring workplace dynamic that keeps showing up?
- Are people falling into predictable roles—The Persecutor, The Victim, The Rescuer?
These patterns don’t just appear out of nowhere. They often stem from behaviors we learned in childhood and bring with us into the workplace and present personal relationships.
In Don’t Bring It to Work, I outline how these ingrained behaviors shape our response to stress and how we can transform them into strengths.
Step Into the Eye of the Storm
Leaders don’t run from chaos; they step into it with intention. The best way to lead through uncertainty is to become the calm within it. Ask yourself:
- What is the real issue here—not just the surface-level problem?
- How can I be the anchor that keeps my team steady?
- What strengths can I cultivate in myself and others during this time?
By choosing to remain steady, you give others permission to do the same.
I also would say to myself, “Breakdown comes before breakthrough.” This became my mantra during the darkest days.
Communicate with Clarity and Confidence
When things fall apart, people look to leaders for direction. Even if you don’t have all the answers, communicate openly and honestly. Uncertainty breeds anxiety, but transparency fosters trust.
Some key ways to communicate effectively during chaos:
Be honest and acknowledge reality without spreading fear.
Reassure your team that you are working toward solutions and invite collaboration rather than dictating decisions.
Be an explorer rather than a victim. This is the difference between leading with authority and leading with authenticity.
Make Meaning of the Madness
Chaos can feel like pure destruction, but it can also be an opportunity for renewal. What if chaos is clearing the way for something better?
History has shown that breakthrough ideas, new leadership styles, and innovative solutions often emerge from turbulent times. Instead of seeing chaos as an enemy, approach it with curiosity. What is it trying to teach you?
Strengthen Your Leadership Muscles
In Invisible Stress: It’s NOT What YOU Think, I explore how unseen stressors impact leadership effectiveness. Chaos has a way of exposing weaknesses and providing an opportunity to strengthen them.
- If control has been your comfort zone, learn to embrace adaptability.
- If you tend to absorb other people’s emotions, practice boundaries.
- If your instinct is to blame or judge, shift toward problem-solving.
The best leaders use moments of upheaval as training grounds for resilience.
Guide Your Team Toward Transformation
The ultimate goal of leadership in times of chaos is not just to “manage” the situation but to turn it into a transformational moment for yourself and your team.
- Encourage reflection: What can we learn from this?
- Foster adaptability: How can we become stronger through change?
- Celebrate resilience: What have we overcome together?
Leadership Isn’t About Avoiding Chaos—It’s About Navigating It
Leadership is not about waiting for things to settle down. It’s about leading through uncertainty with wisdom, courage, and presence. When chaos reigns, your response determines whether your team crumbles—or rises.
If you’re ready to transform the way you lead during turbulent times, explore my books and leadership programs at www.ceoptions.com. You’ll find tools, insights, and strategies to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and creativity—no matter what challenges come your way.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS. Are you facing chaos in your workplace? Let’s talk. Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out for a leadership consultation.
