turbulent leadership

Anyone following political news in the United States today knows the last few weeks have been a whirlwind for the Federal workforce. Under the new administration, unpredictable government directives can come into employees’ government email inboxes at any time of the day or night. Just a few events from the past few weeks include:

• Mass layoffs, and subsequent reversals: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/21/nx-s1-5304152/federal-government-layoffs-reversed
• An email inviting employees to quit and receive full pay and benefits for several more months, without an actual guarantee those benefits would be provided: https://www.opm.gov/fork/original-email-to-employees/
• A requirement in retaining employment to provide a recap of what was accomplished last weekend, which was then deemed voluntary: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/23/nx-s1-5306366/musk-federal-worker-email-confusion
• Freezing government grants via memo, then rescinding the memo but not the freeze: https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-pause-federal-grants-aid-6d41961940585544fa43a3f66550e7be

These are just a few examples, in addition to shuttering USAID and firing employees with probationary status. By the time I publish this, there will probably be more to add to the list. These decisions have taken a psychological toll on the workforce. 

There are times that leaders have to take a strong position and make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular. However, what is playing out right now with the Federal workforce and how these decisions are being communicated is an example of chaotic leadership. 

I worked for someone who practiced this leadership style for years, and I wrote a tongue-in-cheek post about it a few years ago (you can read that article by clicking here: Chaotic Leadership). 

Some of the familiar things that I see happening:

• A false sense of panic created through evening or weekend notices 
• Micromanaging a large workforce from a very senior position
• Intentionally vague directions left up for interpretation, quickly reversing orders, and a threat of tangible consequences
• Touting an incentive with no guarantee for follow-through

This kind of leadership puts the workplace under unnecessary stress. When there is nothing constant or truthful, it makes every day at work a shaky experience full of paranoia. People expect certainty and trust in their leaders. A turbulent leadership style is not easy to deal with in the moment and it is not easy to recover from after you’ve escaped this kind of boss. 

When you’re working for a boss or within a work environment that is turbulent, chaotic, erratic, and frantic, what can you do? The work environment is not going to change. If you cannot leave that environment and find a healthier one, try identifying what’s missing in your workplace and seek fulfillment in other areas of your life.

Focus on the things you can control

When you’re missing control and certainty in your work environment, you need to find it in other areas of your life. Consider what is in your control in your day-to-day. This answer is unique to you and what you value. For example: It could be how your time is spent (on hobbies, on personal development, with friends or family), or how your professional expertise is applied. Create certainty in your daily routine, and you will have something to rely on when going to work is tumultuous. 

For me, it was this blog! My professional expertise was no longer valued in such a chaotic environment, so I created an outlet for myself. Contributing to LMK was something I could control when my work environment was out of control.

Seek out trusted relationships

Lean on people you can trust, especially when you can’t trust the people in your work environment. If your work environment is not dependable, you might have to find trusted resources outside of work, but it will depend on your situation. Valued relationships can be built with workplace peers or friends made outside of work. Relying on friends or family as confidants for work-related matters or as dependable sources of daily support can provide stability and reassurance. 

Remember, if you’re in a position to do so, you can also create and foster a trustworthy environment. Become the leader you wish you were working for.

Take care of yourself

When you’re surrounded by chaos, conflict, and uncertainty, you need to prioritize self-care. Pursue healthy outlets: get enough sleep, explore new hobbies or dedicate time to existing ones, and spend quality time with cherished friends. Step away from work to take care of your mind and body. If needed, consider professional guidance through therapy.

A turbulent work environment takes a negative toll on morale, productivity, and motivation. Remember to create control and certainty for yourself, seek out trusted relationships, and take care of yourself. Your life and career will continue past this difficult professional situation.