How to Lead When Everything Feels a Bit… Rubbish

During a particularly intense period of business change, my director started calling me the “Head of Mood” — and honestly, I loved it. It perfectly captured what I was doing: helping people navigate uncertainty, keeping the emotional temperature steady, and making sure our communications didn’t just inform, but supported.

It’s one of the most underrated skills in comms (and let’s be honest, HR too — we’re often co-Heads of Mood). We’re the ones who can sense the emotional undercurrents, reflect them back with care, and help shape the organisational atmosphere.

But what happens when the world outside your organisation feels like it’s falling apart?

We’re all doomscrolling through a relentless stream of bad news. The headlines are bleak, the algorithms are manipulative, and the loudest voices often have the least to say. It’s exhausting. And yet, in the middle of all this, we’re still expected to show up, lead, and communicate with clarity and compassion.

So, if you find yourself wearing the invisible badge of “Head of Mood”, here are a few thoughts to help you lead with emotional awareness:

1. Ditch the “But”

Emotionally intelligent communication — like a good apology — doesn’t include the word “but”.

“We understand colleagues may be feeling overwhelmed by global events, but…”That “but” dismisses everything that came before it. Try “so” or “therefore” instead — it signals action and empathy, not contradiction.

2. Acknowledge, Don’t Amplify

You’re not here to spotlight the chaos — you’re here to reflect it gently and empathetically. Acknowledge what’s going on, but don’t let it dominate the narrative. You’re the Head of Mood, not a mood hoover.*

3. Purpose is a Powerful Anchor

When the world feels unstable, purpose brings steadiness. Remind your teams why their work matters. I used to present a light-hearted radio show and sometimes felt it wasn’t “serious” enough. But listeners would tell me it brightened their day — that it gave them a break from everything else. That’s when I realised: being light can be deeply meaningful.

4. Emotional Literacy is a Skill

Emotional intelligence might come naturally to some, but emotional literacy — the ability to name and express feelings — is something we can all learn. Use words like anxious, hopeful, angry, tired. It makes your messages feel human. Think of it as speaking not just adult-to-adult, but human-to-human.

5. Listen. Properly.

It’s not hard — but it is essential. Create space for people to share how they’re feeling. Ask about tone, emotional support, and what they need. And then act on what you hear. Listening is the foundation of trust.

6. Own the Tone

Not everything needs to be upbeat. Not everything needs to be solemn. Think of your comms like a conversation in a coffee shop — you can move from light to serious in a heartbeat. An old radio boss once told me: “You can say anything, as long as you’re not silly about it.” That’s stuck with me.

7. Help Managers Carry the Mood

Your leaders are your message carriers — but emotional content might not be in their comfort zone. Help them understand the message, feel it, and deliver it authentically. If it doesn’t feel real to them, it won’t feel real to anyone else.

*And yes, we all know at least one person who hoovers up every bit of good mood in the room. Don’t be that person.