When Everything Feels Fragile—Where Can We Feel Safe?

Last week, we asked a simple question on LinkedIn: When was the last time you felt safe being honest at work about how you were doing?

The most common response? “I’m not sure I ever have.”

Let that sink in. More than 70% of respondents said it had been over a year—or maybe never—that they felt safe enough to tell the truth at work.

Now, layer that on top of what’s happening in the economy. The markets are shaky. Tariffs are rattling industries. And small and medium-sized businesses—the heart of our workforce—are feeling the heat. Many are wondering if they’ll make it through the year.

This is not just an economic crisis. It’s a crisis of safety. Financial, emotional, psychological.

And in moments like this, people don’t need more spin. They need something steady. They need leaders who can hold uncertainty without causing more harm. Who prioritize people over performance. Who understand that trust is not a soft skill—it’s the foundation.

So this week, we’re asking: How do we lead when everything feels fragile?

3 Truths to Lead Through Instability

1. Fear Is Loud—But Safety Is Stronger.

When fear takes over (in markets or meetings), people freeze, flee, or fight. That’s human nature. But when leaders create even a little safety—a check-in, a transparent update, a clear “here’s what we know”—they help people breathe again.

2. Predictability Builds Psychological Safety.

Chaos in the headlines doesn’t have to mean chaos on your team. Leaders who create clear expectations—how we work, how performance is measured, how decisions get made—build islands of calm in the storm​.

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