Backpacks, Big Changes and Brave Leaders

How to help your team (or your kids) face new seasons with confidence.

Here, at my house, we’re in the lead-up to back-to-school. The stores are full of backpacks, lunch bags, and nervous energy. In a couple weeks, my kids will meet new teachers, new classmates, and new routines.

One of my kids thrives on change — the other… not so much.

It reminded me that uncertainty isn’t just a “work” challenge. Whether it’s kids preparing for a new school year or employees adapting to shifting priorities, the feelings are the same: Will I fit in? Can I handle this? What if I fail?

In leadership, we talk about VUCA — volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity. The best leaders (and parents) manage it by:

·         Listening first – hear the fears before offering solutions

·         Staying clear – remind them of the big picture and values

·         Focusing energy – point toward what matters most right now

Back-to-school jitters fade when kids know they’re supported. Workplace uncertainty fades when teams trust their leader’s clarity and calm.

Different ages, same lesson: Change feels easier when you don’t face it alone.

#LeadershipDevelopment #BackToSchool #ManagingChange #VUCA #LeadingThroughUncertainty