Leading with Resilience Amid Constant Change

Chamber of commerce CEOs face constant change with shifting member expectations, economic swings and policy uncertainty. A recent Korn Ferry webinar, How to Lead with Resilience Amid Constant Change, offered timely strategies for leaders navigating volatility.

Change Isn’t the Enemy, Loss Is

Research shows that people don’t fear change itself. What they fear is loss of influence, stability or resources. For staff, the loss may be clarity or control. By acknowledging that fear of loss underlies resistance, CEOs can build trust and guide conversations more effectively.

The Pause Principle

When change accelerates, most leaders instinctively speed up. But sometimes the best move is to pause. Leadership expert Kevin Cashman calls this the “Pause Principle.” Stepping back creates space to make better decisions and lead forward with conviction.

For chamber executives, that might mean slowing down before responding to a board concern, taking time to consider long-term strategy or encouraging teams to reflect on “what if” scenarios. What if progress mattered more than perfection? What if taking one small step today was enough?

Easing Change Fatigue

Korn Ferry noted that “change fatigue” is now one of the top challenges facing organizations. Practical tools can help chambers protect their people and their momentum:

• Check the temperature. Instead of asking staff “How are you?” ask, “Where are you on a scale of 1–5 today?” Then explore what support might help them move up one step.
• Honor natural rhythms. Recognize when you and your team are at your best and adjust schedules where possible.
• Leverage restoration. A walk outside, deep breathing or even listening to music can quickly restore focus.

Growth Mindset Matters

The most resilient leaders frame change as opportunity. Progress, not perfection, should be the benchmark. For chamber CEOs, that means encouraging staff and members to share ideas, try new approaches and learn from small steps forward.

Leading with Empathy

Change often isolates people. Staff withdraw, members disengage and leaders themselves burn out. Empathy helps counter this. Acknowledging when you are not at 100 percent, building peer networks and modeling flexibility all strengthen resilience.

Some change is initiated by chambers, for example, new programs, fresh advocacy campaigns or innovative benefits. Other change is imposed such as funding cuts or shifting regulations. Either way, resilience equips leaders to respond. By pausing, checking in and reframing challenges as opportunities, chamber CEOs can guide their organizations forward with strength and purpose.