We are living in a moment of multiple disruptions, like the global pandemic, supply chain challenges, market uncertainty, and restructuring of companies. At the same time, people bear the weight of what is happening in their personal life. Also, In many cases, personal things are affecting their families, their lives, and those they love.

The question at these moments is how to stay positive, and sometimes, the right answer is not to be.

Sometimes, expressing positive sentiment is the most tone-deaf and ineffective thing we can do. It could create a gap between the leader and their teams. It could lead to a crisis of confidence and trust.

Recognize that there are times when things are clearly not okay. Instead of trying to be happy and positive when things are tough, we must focus on what's possible. Focus on what we can control and ask people for their perspectives.

As leaders, we are humans first. We must remember to act with humanity, kindness, and empathy and feel comfortable letting people see that we acknowledge that things may not be okay but that there are opportunities to move forward.