Two weeks into 2025, and the world is already off to a wild start. Multiple acts of terror have shaken major cities, and California is once again engulfed in flames, leaving communities scrambling to respond. If this is the opening act, it’s safe to say we’re in for a year of surprises—and not the good kind.
Chaos seems guaranteed. But that doesn’t mean leaders should throw up their hands. In fact, this kind of disorder offers a unique opportunity for those willing to lean in, adapt, and lead with clarity. Whether in business, government, or community roles, navigating uncertainty can reveal strength, forge connections, and spark innovation.
Here’s how you can turn chaos into an advantage in 2025.
Embrace the Chaos (But Don’t Let It Consume You)
Chaos has a way of overwhelming us, tapping into our most primal instincts: fight, flight, or freeze. Leaders can’t afford to freeze, and neither should they blindly charge forward. The first step is acknowledging the reality: chaos isn’t going away. It’s not a problem to solve; it’s a condition to manage.
Instead of resisting the storm, learn to navigate it. That starts with staying calm and grounded.
Practice the “70% Rule”
Act when you have 70% of the information. Waiting for perfect clarity in chaotic times is a luxury you don’t have. Leaders need to make decisions with the best available information and course-correct as more data comes in. Perfect is the enemy of good—and in chaos, good enough keeps you moving forward.
Build a Foundation of Resilience
Leaders don’t just manage themselves—they set the tone for their teams. One of the most important ways to lead in uncertainty is to establish a foundation of resilience. Resilience isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about recognizing challenges, managing energy, and keeping people focused on what they can control.
Create Daily Rhythms
In chaotic times, structure is sanity. A daily rhythm gives you and your team a sense of stability, even when the world outside feels like it’s spinning out of control. This could be as simple as starting each day with a check-in, setting clear priorities, and ending with a debrief to reflect on what worked and what didn’t.
For example:
• Morning Check-In: Align on immediate priorities and address roadblocks.
• Midday Reset: Take a short pause to reassess progress and energy levels.
• Evening Wrap-Up: Reflect on lessons learned and plan for the next day.
Manage Emotional Energy
Fear and stress are contagious, but so is calm leadership. Take care of yourself first—whether through breathing exercises, physical activity, or moments of quiet reflection—so you can bring a steady presence to those who rely on you. Leadership is ultimately the management of energy: yours and everyone else’s.
Innovate by Reframing Problems
Chaos doesn’t just disrupt—it creates opportunities for innovation. When old solutions no longer work, it’s an invitation to think differently. Reframe problems not as barriers, but as opportunities to experiment and adapt.
Simplify the Complex
Chaos is often overwhelming because problems feel too big or messy to tackle. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. For example, instead of trying to solve “how do we recover from this fire?” a leader might focus on immediate needs: evacuations, resource allocation, and communication.
Harness the Power of Collaboration
No leader has all the answers in a crisis, and that’s okay. Create a “community of practice” by bringing together diverse perspectives to solve problems collectively. Flatten hierarchies where possible, and encourage open communication between teams. Collaboration not only produces better solutions; it also builds trust and engagement.
Communicate with Clarity and Purpose
When chaos strikes, people crave certainty—but not necessarily the kind that promises everything will be fine. What they really need is honest, clear communication that shows you have a plan and a purpose.
Define and Communicate “Red Lines”
Red lines—non-negotiable principles that guide your actions—are essential. These might include commitments to safety, transparency, or fairness. By defining these upfront, you give people a framework to understand your decisions and actions, even when things get messy.
Lead with Stories
Stories are one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s arsenal. They connect us, inspire us, and make complex ideas easier to understand. During uncertain times, share stories of resilience, hope, and progress. Highlight examples of team members rising to the occasion or clients overcoming challenges. Stories don’t just inform—they motivate.
Thrive in the Messy Middle
The hardest part of chaos isn’t the beginning, when adrenaline kicks in, or the end, when recovery begins. It’s the messy middle: the long stretch where momentum stalls, uncertainty persists, and exhaustion sets in. This is where leaders are truly tested.
Manufacture Motivation
When the initial rush fades, find ways to keep people engaged. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate every win, no matter how minor. These “micro-successes” build momentum and help your team push through.
Harness Friction
Conflict is inevitable in chaotic environments, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. Use it as a tool to surface new ideas and challenge assumptions. Create spaces where dissenting opinions can be voiced constructively and lead discussions with curiosity instead of defensiveness.
Turn Crisis into Growth
Every chaotic moment is a leadership crucible—an opportunity to grow stronger, learn faster, and become more adaptable. Chaos reveals what works and what doesn’t, both in your leadership style and your organization. Pay attention to these lessons and use them to build a more resilient foundation for the future.
Reflect and Document
Once the dust settles (or at least starts to), take time to reflect. What went well? What didn’t? How can you prepare better for the next inevitable crisis? Document these lessons so they’re available not just to you but to future leaders as well.
Look for the Silver Linings
Finally, chaos often brings unexpected gifts. Maybe it forces you to innovate in ways you wouldn’t have otherwise. Maybe it strengthens bonds within your team or reveals hidden talents. Don’t let these lessons go unnoticed.
Leading Through the Unknown
2025 is shaping up to be a year of challenges. But chaos doesn’t have to be paralyzing. By embracing uncertainty, building resilience, and leading with clarity and purpose, you can turn today’s turbulence into tomorrow’s triumph.
Remember, chaos is just another word for opportunity waiting to be claimed. Will you seize it?