At the heart of every organization is its people. Each individual brings their unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives to work every day, shaping the environment in subtle but profound ways. These emotions and challenges are not left at the door—they follow us into the workplace or, in many cases, are born from it. Navigating uncertainty and hardship affects how we show up, collaborate, and engage, making it essential for leaders to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions.
According to the World Health Organization, 70% of people globally will experience a potentially traumatic event in their lifetime. While many recover, a significant portion face long-term effects that can impact trust, collaboration, and productivity. Without support, these challenges can ripple across teams, leading to disengagement and reduced morale. But workplaces that prioritize psychological safety and open communication can help reverse these effects. In fact, organizations that foster trust and connection report 50% higher productivity, 74% less stress, and 76% more employee engagement .
Practical Strategies for Leaders
So, how can leaders create workplaces that support their teams through uncertainty or even traumatic events? The answer starts with asking your team what they need. But if you’re looking for ideas to get started, here’s a summary of actionable strategies, drawn from the stories shared by members of Team Centaur (found lower down in this article).
Foster Comfort & Emotional Safety
Offer meaningful check-ins such as asking, "How are you, today?"
Create spaces where team members feel safe to share their emotions without judgment.
Adapt & Be Flexible
Prioritize well-being over productivity, especially when teams are under stress. Asking "is there something we can take off your plate" is a helpful gesture.
Plan for different scenarios (check out our free Contingency Plan Template) and respect individual coping mechanisms.
Provide Stability Through Rituals
Maintain team rituals and regular meetings to provide a sense of normalcy and routine and help anchor teams during uncertain times.
Continue hosting 1-on-1s with team members, staying up to date on their needs.
Inspire Motivation & Focus
Set achievable goals that help team members focus on what’s within their control.
Reinforce a sense of purpose and connection to collective goals.
These insights, shared through personal experiences, remind us that leadership in times of uncertainty requires empathy, flexibility, and intentional actions. By creating spaces for open, honest conversations and listening to what your team truly needs, leaders can provide support that feels authentic and meaningful.
Personal Stories from Centaurs
The personal anecdotes that follow offer a glimpse into the small but impactful ways Team Centaur felt supported in the workplace. We hope these serve as inspiration for leaders who are invested in creating an environment. where people feel safe, heard, and valued.
Faten: Putting Well-Being First
During the recent war in Lebanon, work became a space of focus and connection amid chaos and uncertainty. With my son’s school closed, roads unsafe, and the constant humming of drones, the Cosmic Team was a true source of reassurance. Leaders went beyond words, offering support and extending their homes as safe havens if needed.
When the time came to consider traveling to Dubai for our long-awaited conference, our CEO’s immediate response was, “I couldn’t imagine asking you to come; you need to stay with your families.” This left no room for doubt about where the priorities lay. During a one-on-one conversation, I was reassured that support was available if I felt overwhelmed with deliverables—a clear reminder that my well-being came first.
Regular check-ins, even on weekends, and simple yet meaningful questions like, “How are we feeling today?” during our standups fostered a sense of togetherness. Everyone listened, cared, and shared the weight of the moment. This challenging period became a powerful testament to the impact of thoughtful leadership and genuine team support.
Maya: Finding Stability and Joy in Team Rituals
Enduring the latest war in Lebanon was one of the most mentally and emotionally challenging experiences of my life. Yet, I was fortunate to have the unwavering support and compassion of the Cosmic Centaurs team. When everything around us felt uncertain and unstable, maintaining a work routine became a source of stability and comfort.
Team rituals, particularly our daily stand-ups, became anchors during this period. Even amidst the chaos, the whole team still found ways to brighten our days. When my birthday fell during this difficult time, they made it special, reminding me that kindness and connection can thrive even in the toughest circumstances. The Cosmic Centaurs team was a spark of light in a dark and challenging time—a memory I will always cherish.
Hadeel: Staying Grounded by Focusing on What We Can Control
I left my hometown a few weeks after the war broke out in April 2023. I am not sure I have completely processed it yet but I intentionally avoid daily news updates. I find comfort in being part of a team that understands what it’s like to come from constant conflict and creates space to express emotions.
Seeing my fellow Centaurs in Lebanon go through the same thing, I tried to keep myself informed of the situation and made sure to regularly check in with each of them.
Despite the haunting feeling of helplessness, I believe in the power of spreading awareness about what’s happening, whether it's in Sudan, Gaza, or Lebanon, and focusing on “what we can control”.
Marie: Offering Compassion Through Personalized Support
Living safely abroad while my country was at war was an incredibly emotional and challenging experience. Knowing that my family, friends, and colleagues back home were enduring immense hardship left me struggling with feelings of helplessness and guilt. I often struggled to find the right time to check in—uncertain that my reaching out would bring comfort or inadvertently add to their burden.
Over time, I learned to approach each person with sensitivity, asking what they needed and offering support on their terms. Through these small actions, I found ways to show compassion and solidarity—even from afar—reminding myself that presence, even virtual, can carry profound meaning.
Isabelle: Building Motivation with Honest Communication and Goals
I’ve faced several high-anxiety situations in my life—some traumatic, others simply painful. The most recent was the war in Lebanon. While I was relatively safe, watching my country crumble and worrying about my friends and colleagues’ safety was overwhelming. My outlook on the future shattered, and long-term planning felt impossible. We were living day by day, and the exhaustion from the lack of vision was paralyzing.
What helped slow my downward spiral was work itself. Knowing I had goals to achieve and that others were counting on me oddly provided comfort. It allowed me to detach from the storm in my mind and focus on something productive, giving me a sense of normalcy and purpose.
It wasn’t easy, but having a team and leaders who understood our challenges, and being able to communicate honestly, helped me receive support more openly. For that, I’m deeply grateful.”
Zeinab: Balancing Flexibility and Stability During Uncertainty
At first, I couldn’t believe we were at war again. It felt cruel; as if our country hadn’t suffered enough already. During those uncertain times, our daily standups at work became a safe space to share thoughts and anxieties.
I asked my CEO, “What if the war worsens and we can’t work anymore?” Her reassuring response: ‘You’ll continue receiving your salary, and we’ll support you and your family in every way.’
We developed a contingency plan, prepared for the worst-case scenarios, and kept up rituals that helped maintain stability. Leadership's compassion was evident through actions like asking whether I preferred more or less work and respecting our individual coping mechanisms. Together as a team, we navigated uncertainty by focusing on what we could control, maintaining our rituals, conducting daily check-ins, and finding purpose in raising donations for Lebanon, Sudan, and Gaza.
Aya: Showing Kindness and Understanding Amid Chaos & Life Transitions
The war escalated during my recruitment process with Cosmic Centaurs, throwing everything around me into chaos. I had an assessment due in just a couple of days, but focusing amidst the uncertainty was incredibly challenging. Then, suddenly, a team member reached out to ask if I was safe, reassured me that my well-being came first, and told me I could submit the assignment whenever I felt ready. Despite everything, I managed to complete the assignment on time. Before the presentation, she checked in again, ensuring I felt prepared to proceed.
Her kindness and understanding spoke volumes about the company’s culture, leaving a lasting impression during one of the most challenging times in my life.
Tala: Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability and Healing
On a Monday morning in April 2021, I showed up to work (Marilyn's house) unable to express why I was crying so much. My husband told me to call in sick, but I knew that work felt safe. That weekend, I had experienced a traumatic miscarriage after a surprise pregnancy. It was unexpected, even terrifying, and left me emotionally unsteady.
I was met with empathy, kindness, and unwavering support. My team created a judgment-free space where I could openly share what I was going through. They encouraged me to take as much time away from work as I needed and regularly checked in to ensure I felt cared for. That day, we spent time talking and playing video games, and when they needed to focus on work, I left early.
I walked out of Marilyn's house immensely grateful. I felt heard, respected, and—more importantly—not alone in experiencing my feelings. It reminded me of how powerful it is when a workplace truly creates space for people to show up as they are, even in their most vulnerable moments.
Marilyn: Harnessing Self-Control to Focus on What Matters
“I discovered a quote when I was 15, and over time, it became a life approach: "No solution, no problem."
A lot of people worry about things they can't control. But if we can’t influence the outcome, there's nothing more we can do. As I got older, I realized this idea connects to Stoicism.
It’s about using self-control to get past negative emotions. When we do that, we stop those emotions from taking over and can focus on what’s actually in our control.”
The anecdotes from the team remind us that it’s not about having all the answers or following a formula—it’s about showing up with empathy and creating space for open, honest conversations. By listening and understanding what each person needs, leaders can offer support that feels genuine and meaningful.
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