***

In times of change, strong communication is essential from a leader for employees and affiliates of the organization, said McNenny, who is based in Missoula but works throughout the country. Those looking for direction need a safe environment, and communication creates that security.

"I think one of the most essential duties of a leader during what you've just described (significant budget cuts and leadership turnover) is transparent communication," McNenny said.

Typically, she said, when leaders are silent, others believe those in charge are keeping secrets, and they begin to feel unsafe. The other thing that happens is people start to create their own stories, which don't always fit the facts.

"What I have found with other clients and other industries is that what people make up tends to be more drama-driven, wrong and misguided than actually what the truth may be," she said.

The challenge for the leader is that people want answers right away, even when the answers take time to develop, she said. But change at a large institution doesn't happen overnight, and it's complex.

"It's a renovation, and renovation always takes longer and costs more than you think," she said.

***