I’ve got to the point where I can’t read the news any more. Simply because it’s become a case of doom and gloom. Or is there something positive to read? What if what we’re looking for is stability?

This news spills over into your everyday life. It becomes part of the conversation with friends, colleagues, family. What is Trump going to do next? What climate tipping point will we hit next? Where is the next disaster?

Which means nothing more than that your team members are reading and consuming (mostly) the same kind of news and the same content over and over again. It’s creating nervousness, anxiety, a general sense of dread … Or do I suddenly sound too pessimistic about these things?

Let’s look at it from a serious point of view.

World events always have the potential to affect other people. And whether they are perceived as positive or negative isn’t so much a question.

And it’s natural to want to look up to leaders, not just for guidance, but even just for reassurance that things are going to be OK. That might even be the case if you’re a teacher. Or a team leader in a financial institution.

We can talk about clarity all day, but maybe what people are looking for from you is a little stability. And maybe you are too.

The sheer scale of global issues can feel paralysing. But perhaps the search for stability lies in focusing on what you can influence – your immediate environment, your teams, your actions within your sphere.

While you can’t control geopolitical events or the pace of climate change, you can control how you operate within your organisations, how you support your team members and the values you uphold. Also see my post on the need for presence.

Creating a stable and predictable environment within your control can be a powerful antidote to external chaos.

As a leader, this may mean doubling down on clear communication, consistent processes and a supportive team culture. It’s about creating a sense of reliability and trust within your own sphere.

Perhaps the stability your team or community craves isn’t a guarantee that the world will be all right, but an assurance that within our influence there is a steady hand and a clear direction.

What can you actively build and nurture to provide that much-needed stability?

Reach out if you have any comments or questions.