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January 15, 2025
Ethan Rule on Leading Through Uncertainty [Lessons in Leadership]

Ethan Rule on Leading Through Uncertainty [Lessons in Leadership]

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About the Episode

Host Carrie engages Ethan Rule in a thoughtful conversation about navigating uncertainty as a leader. Ethan shares his people-first approach to leading through ambiguity, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing relationships and addressing emotional responses to uncertainty. This discussion offers actionable strategies for fostering resilience and teamwork during uncertain times.

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize people over shifting goals: Focus on your team and colleagues as the foundation for navigating change.
  • Acknowledge emotions during uncertainty: Understand and validate the varying emotional responses to ambiguity.
  • Leverage teamwork: Build a supportive environment where team members collaborate to overcome challenges.

Why is a people-first approach important during uncertain times?

Ethan highlights that while goals, priorities, and plans may change, people remain the constant driving force behind success. Leaders should prioritize the well-being and support of their teams, fostering a strong sense of trust and collaboration to navigate challenges together.

How can leaders address the emotional impact of uncertainty?

Uncertainty often triggers a spectrum of emotional responses, from curiosity to fear and anxiety. Ethan advises leaders to acknowledge these emotions and create an open space for dialogue. By showing empathy and understanding, leaders can help their teams process and move forward with confidence.

What role does teamwork play in navigating ambiguity?

Teamwork is essential when facing the unknown. Ethan encourages leaders to remind their teams that they are not alone and that collaboration is key to overcoming challenges. By leaning on one another’s strengths and perspectives, teams can adapt and thrive, even in ambiguous situations.

Make sure to check out the full Lessons In Leadership Playlists today.

About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Lessons In Leadership is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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People in this episode

Host

Dr. Carrie Phillips is the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at UA Little Rock where she is charged with telling the university’s incredible story. She considers herself part creative and part analyst but fully curious to solve challenges in higher education. Carrie earned her doctorate from Texas Tech University where she studied how regional public universities are using marketing efforts to mitigate the enrollment cliff. Prior to joining UA Little Rock, she worked 14 years at Arkansas Tech University where she led a brand study, the first comprehensive brand campaign and oversaw collateral development for the current comprehensive campaign. Carrie is a member of the American Marketing Association and holds the Professional Certified Marketer credential. She is also chair-elect of the District IV Cabinet for CASE and a member of UCDA. Finally, she is a puppy mom to Eleanor Belle—a 10-pound maltipoo.

Interviewee

Ethan Rule

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