From Crisis to Capability: Five Leadership Shifts UK Executives Must Embrace Now
- Ian Kirkby
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Based on an article in 'HBR on Leadership' by Rae Ringel and Lisa Kay Solomon, 13 March 2025: https://bit.ly/AspireMCL250603
June 2025 marks five years since COVID-19 upended how we live and work. The pandemic tested leaders like never before by forcing more snap decisions, redefining 'workplace', and stretching resilience to the limit. But if the last half-decade has taught us anything, it's this: disruption isn’t just a passing storm - it's the new operating climate!
From geopolitical tensions to AI breakthroughs, today's business leaders must lead in a world where change is relentless. It’s not just about crisis survival anymore; it's about turning disruption into a growth strategy.
At Aspire Management Consultancy Ltd, our work with leaders across sectors has made one thing clear: thriving in this landscape demands a new leadership model - one built for uncertainty, innovation, and sustained performance.
Here are five critical shifts leaders must now make:
1. Engage Uncertainty Proactively
Waiting for clarity is a luxury few can afford. Progressive leaders must now integrate uncertainty into their strategic planning. Scenario modelling, early trend detection, and agile teams are tools to anticipate, not just react. PepsiCo’s sustainability-focused 'pep+' strategy is a prime example - transforming turbulence into long-term advantage.
2. Balance Performance and People
The 'return to office' debate is largely over. The future is flexible - and focused. Airbnb’s model of structured remote work with intentional in-person collaboration shows that autonomy and accountability can coexist. Leaders must design performance systems that reward results, not presenteeism.
3. Move Fast, Fail Smart
Risk-averse planning cycles no longer cut it. Innovation now depends on rapid prototyping and permission to fail. Starbucks’ Tryer Centre rapidly iterates on customer experience and sustainability innovations - validating the idea that speed and experimentation fuel resilience and relevance.
4. Decide With Imperfect Data
Good decisions don’t always need complete data (which is rarely ever available in any case). During COVID, Microsoft and Airbnb made bold, early calls - and course-corrected as new insights emerged. UK leaders must develop 'minimum viable decisions', anchored in values and enabled by structured flexibility and strong feedback loops.
5. Communicate to Build Trust
Leadership is not just a matter of setting a vision and deciding the strategy - it’s deeply human. In uncertain times, people crave honesty, empathy, and consistency. Marriott’s late CEO, Arne Sorenson, earned lasting trust through transparent, heartfelt communication during crises. Today’s leaders must master this balance of authenticity and clarity to keep teams engaged and aligned.
Leading Forward
Leadership will never look the same as it did before the pandemic - it is continuously evolving into something far more dynamic. The next generation of successful leaders will be those who navigate ambiguity with confidence, inspire trust amid change, and continuously adapt their teams for what’s next.
If you're ready to strengthen your leadership capability and future-proof your organisation, Aspire Management Consultancy Ltd is here to help.
👉 Contact us today to explore how we can support you in building leadership resilience, strategic agility, and high-performing teams that thrive in disruption.
Email: enquiries@aspiremcl.co.uk Tel: 01522 700465
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