Change under pressure: transformation and team leadership during the UN funding crisis of 2025

When organizations go through profound disruption, middle managers matter. This reflection paper examines the realities faced by team leaders during the UN funding crisis of 2025, as organizations navigated downsizing, internal mergers and relocations. It highlights practical lessons on leading teams through uncertainty, maintaining performance under pressure, and supporting people through some of the most challenging transitions in recent UN history. This paper provides practical reflections for leaders, HR professionals, change practitioners, and managers seeking to build resilience, trust and adaptability in times of disruption.