In the home improvement and remodeling industries, uncertainty isn’t a stranger, rather it’s a frequent visitor. Economic ups and downs, supply chain delays, labor shortages, fluctuating material costs, and unpredictable customer behavior can all disrupt even the most well-run companies. For contractors and remodelers, the challenge is not avoiding uncertainty — it’s leading confidently through it.
Strong leadership in uncertain times isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about providing clarity, building trust, and keeping your team focused and resilient. Here are seven essential strategies to help you guide your business and your people through the storms of uncertainty.
1. Communicate Frequently and Transparently
Silence creates anxiety. Your team craves direction and honesty, especially when the path ahead feels unclear. Even if you don’t have all the solutions, sharing what you do know builds trust.
Hold regular team meetings and quick daily huddles. Provide clear updates on what’s happening in the business and explain the “why” behind key decisions. Transparency reduces fear and speculation, and your people will respect your honesty.
I recommend using multiple channels for this communication. This includes in-person talks, emails, group chats, even video updates—to make sure your message is heard and reinforced.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
There will always be things beyond your influence: material price spikes, market downturns, or supplier shortages. Instead of dwelling on these, rally your team to focus on what you can control.
Deliver exceptional service, maintain job quality, improve internal systems, and focus on strengthening customer relationships. Proactive action boosts morale and creates momentum—even in tough times. Ask your team: What can we do right now to keep moving forward?
3. Reaffirm Your Vision and Core Values
When the outside world feels unstable, your internal foundation becomes more important than ever.
Remind your team of your company’s mission, vision, and values. Whether it’s a commitment to craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, or community service, these core principles provide a steady anchor.
A shared vision fosters unity and purpose, keeping your team focused on long-term goals rather than short-term challenges.
4. Invest in Training and Development
Tough times create excellent opportunities to strengthen your team’s skills. While others lean back you should lean in.
Offer workshops on sales techniques, leadership development, project management, or customer service excellence. Even quick lunch-and-learns or online courses can make a big impact.
Effective training and development with proven systems and processes being put in place in your company will bolster your ability to weather the storms of uncertainty. Training not only builds confidence and capability but also sends a powerful message: We are investing in your future.
Additionally, a better-trained team feels more secure and valued, which helps retain top talent.
5. Stay Close to Your Numbers
In uncertain times, financial visibility is critical. Closely track your cash flow, job costing, margins, and overhead. Use your KPIs to spot potential issues early and make data-driven decisions. Quick adjustments—like tightening expenses, renegotiating supplier terms, or adjusting pricing strategies—can make all the difference.
Hold regular financial check-ins with your leadership team to stay ahead of the curve
6. Lead with Empathy and Flexibility
During these uncertain times, your team isn’t just facing professional uncertainty—they’re dealing with personal concerns, too. Be the leader who listens, understands, and supports.
When possible, offer flexibility in schedules or roles. Recognize personal challenges. A little empathy today builds massive loyalty for the future.
And don’t forget to celebrate small victories along the way. Recognizing your team’s efforts keeps morale high, even when the road feels tough.
7. Stay Alert for Hidden Opportunities
Periods of uncertainty often open new doors. Maybe your competitors are pulling back. Maybe homeowners are shifting focus from major remodels to essential repairs or energy-efficient upgrades.
Stay adaptable. Keep an eye on market trends and customer needs. Agile companies not only survive tough times — they thrive.
Ask yourself and your team: Where are the new opportunities in today’s environment?
Remember: Your Team Looks to You For Direction, So Give Them a Clear Path
Uncertainty is an inevitable part of running a home improvement or remodeling business. But with clear communication, proactive leadership, financial discipline, and a people-first mindset, you can successfully guide your team through turbulence—and emerge even stronger.
Remember: your team takes their cues from you. When you lead with clarity and confidence, you give your people the direction and belief they need to weather any storm.
Stay steady, stay focused, and keep building — because your leadership today is laying the foundation for tomorrow’s success.
About the Author
Gary A. Cohen
Gary Cohen is Vice President of Certified Contractors Network (CCN). He spent 11 years as a Clinical Professor of Business at the University of Maryland. CCN is a training, coaching, and networking organization in the home improvement industry. For more information on CCN, contact Gary at [email protected] or visit www.contractors.net/contractors.