Leading Through Chaos? Here's Your Grounding Framework

Let’s face it—leadership can feel heavy, especially when you’re navigating uncertainty or juggling competing priorities. But here’s a reminder: you don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it perfectly.

Resilience isn’t about never getting knocked down; it’s about getting back up, stronger and more focused. That’s where the L.A.T.T.E. method comes in—a practical framework to help you stay grounded and move forward, no matter the challenge.

Let’s break it down.

Here’s how it works:

• Look at the details: Start with the facts. What’s really happening here? Identify the core problem without letting emotions cloud your judgment.

• Anticipate challenges: Think through potential roadblocks. Preparation isn’t pessimism—it’s how resilient leaders stay ahead.

• Think through solutions: Focus on one actionable step to create momentum. Overwhelm fades when you start small.

• Talk it out: Resilience doesn’t mean going it alone. Reach out to a mentor, colleague, or trusted advisor for perspective.

• Evaluate options: After acting, reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ll do differently next time.

It’s flexible, actionable, and works in any leadership situation—big or small.

Real Talk Resilience (Overcoming Adversity)
Let me share a quick story. A leader I worked with, Samantha, was leading a major diversity initiative in her company—a bold move in a male-dominated industry. She faced resistance, from quiet skepticism to outright pushback.

Here’s how she used L.A.T.T.E. to turn the tide:

• Look: She identified the real issue—her team didn’t understand the “why” behind the initiative.

• Anticipate: She anticipated concerns and prepared answers for common questions.

• Think: She started with a low-stakes win, focusing first on building buy-in from key allies.

• Talk: She scheduled 1:1 conversations to address resistance directly and empathetically.

• Evaluate: After her first round of changes, she refined her approach and made adjustments based on feedback.

By staying resilient and methodical, Samantha transformed resistance into support—and her initiative became a model for other departments.

Leadership Lab Here’s how you can use L.A.T.T.E. this week:

Ask Jacqueline (Personalized Guidance)
Q: “What if LATTE doesn’t work right away?”

A: That’s okay—resilience is a practice, not a quick fix. Here’s what I suggest:

• Start smaller. Instead of tackling a massive issue, try LATTE on a smaller challenge.

• Adjust as you go. Leadership frameworks aren’t one-size-fits-all—make LATTE work for you.

• Remember, growth takes time. Even one small win can create the momentum you need.

Winning and Learning (Celebrating Success and Growth)
This week, try L.A.T.T.E. on one challenge you’re facing. Whether it’s navigating a tough project, leading a team conversation, or advocating for a new initiative, this method will help you move forward with intention.

Remember: resilience isn’t about avoiding adversity—it’s about showing up and growing through it.

Keep emulating excellence and eliminating excuses—it’s your winning season.

XoXo,
Jacqueline