One of the most difficult (and necessary) skills in periods of uncertainty is mastering the art of anticipation in times of ambiguity. Of remaining grounded when outcomes are unclear. And continuing to show up thoughtfully and compassionately even when we do not yet know what comes next.
Right now, many of us are operating in that space. Or at least trying our level best to.
There is a great deal of unpredictability around us, and the truth is that nobody can confidently predict what the months ahead will bring. That reality can feel unsettling, especially when changes impact people, resources, and programs that we have come to rely on personally and professionally.
In moments like these, I continue resorting to the methods you’ve heard me champion over the last few years. Among them are intentionally exercising grace, and the importance of staying curious:
Grace toward yourself and toward others. Being curious instead of assumptive. Being curious instead of reactionary.
And being curious enough to pause before filling gaps in information with fear, judgment, or negativity. I know, easier said than done – but like many things, it’s a muscle that can be developed.
As I shared during our recent Staff Town Hall, it is often hardest to extend grace when we ourselves are navigating difficulty, ambiguity, stress, or disappointment, and yet that is precisely when grace matters most.
Grace can look like remembering there is a human being on the other side of every email, Teams message, meeting invitation, or conversation. It can look like resisting the urge to amplify negativity simply because uncertainty feels uncomfortable. It can look like acknowledging difficult emotions honestly without allowing ourselves to become permanently anchored in them. And it can look like choosing curiosity before assumption when decisions feel difficult or incomplete.
That does not mean toxic positivity. It does not mean pretending change is easy or suggesting people should not feel impacted by it. It simply means recognizing that while we cannot always control external circumstances, we can control how we respond to one another within them.
As you’ve heard me say before, the only person any of us are guaranteed to spend the rest of our lives with is ourselves. Because of that, I think it is important to continue asking ourselves: How do I want to show up during difficult moments? What energy am I contributing to the people around me? Am I helping move things forward constructively, or am I unintentionally deepening fear, frustration, or harm?
I know the Triton community can navigate hard things with humanity, professionalism, empathy, and care for one another. I see it every day, and it’s one of the greatest things that keeps me anchored in times of distress.
And the best part about it? We can all contribute to that feeling. We can all show up with humanity, compassion, and relentless curiosity at the forefront of every interaction.
Think about that next time the moment feels hard, the email feels sharp, or the path forward feels unclear - and know that I'm thinking about it right alongside you.
Lastly, as we close out Jewish American Heritage Month, I want to wish all who celebrate a meaningful conclusion to this month of reflection, recognition and celebration. And to those who observed Eid al-Adha, may this sacred time bring peace, connection, and moments of renewal with loved ones and community.
Lead with grace, courage (and curiosity).
Terri S. Winbush
Campus Chief Human Resources Officer
