Leading When the Rules Change
Leadership is never tested in smooth sailing. It’s forged in the storm. Right now, with federal funding under threat of pause and uncertainty rippling through SBA and CDFI programs (and basically everything even tangentially related to federal funding), leaders are facing one of those defining moments. The question isn’t whether chaos will come—it’s how we respond when it does.
At B:Side, we’ve navigated plenty of uncertainty, and one thing is clear: chaos doesn’t just disrupt; it reveals. It shows who we are as leaders, as teams, and as an organization. Here’s how leaders can rise to the occasion and thrive through this latest challenge.
Own the Moment
When external forces upend plans, it’s easy to blame the system, the timing, or the circumstances. But leadership means taking responsibility—not for what happens, but for how you respond.
This funding freeze may not be something we caused, but it’s on us to decide how to move forward. We can focus on what we control: supporting clients, adapting processes, and staying focused on the mission. Taking responsibility shifts the focus from the problem to the solution. That mindset is the foundation for everything that follows.
Create Order in the Chaos
Chaos, by its nature, feels overwhelming. When federal decisions create uncertainty, the first task of a leader is to bring clarity. The way forward starts with discipline: setting priorities, establishing routines, and making decisions based on focus rather than fear.
For us, that means staying rooted in our mission—supporting small businesses, fostering relationships, and being the steady presence our partners need. Order doesn’t mean eliminating chaos; it means navigating through it with purpose and calm.
Step Back to See Clearly
When challenges arise, it’s easy to get caught in the storm and lose sight of the bigger picture. But leaders need to step back, even if only briefly, to gain perspective.
Detachment allows you to evaluate the situation clearly, without letting panic or urgency cloud your decisions. By stepping back, you can identify priorities, assess resources, and act with clarity instead of getting bogged down by the noise of the moment.
Adapt and Innovate
Uncertainty forces change, and leaders who embrace that reality come out stronger. When the rules of the game shift, adaptability becomes essential.
This pause in funding is an opportunity to assess how we can serve our clients better, streamline operations, and strengthen relationships. Challenges like these push teams to think differently, try new approaches, and discover untapped potential. Creativity and resilience go hand in hand, and together, they drive progress.
Stay Calm, Lead Strong
In uncertain times, fear spreads quickly. But leaders set the tone for their teams. Calm doesn’t mean ignoring challenges; it means tackling them with intention and focus.
Remaining composed under pressure not only steadies the team but also inspires confidence. Your calm becomes their calm. It’s this steady leadership that creates the foundation for making sound decisions and building trust, even in the face of adversity.
Find the Opportunity in the Challenge
Some of history’s greatest leaders thrived not by avoiding adversity but by using it to their advantage. Challenges like these reveal character. They show what a leader, a team, and an organization are made of.
This funding pause, while disruptive, is an opportunity to prove resilience, build trust, and show the value we bring to the businesses and communities we serve. Obstacles like this can drive us to be better, more creative, and more committed to our purpose.
Moving Forward
Chaos is inevitable, but it’s not the end. How we respond now will define what comes next. For leaders, this is the moment to step up, remain grounded, and inspire those around us to stay focused and keep moving forward.
Leadership isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about leading through it. And that’s exactly what we’ll do.
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