Leading Through the Unknown

As leaders, we are called to provide direction, clarity, and stability for those who follow us. But what happens when circumstances shift and the path forward is unclear? What do we do when uncertainty, chaos, or rapid change creates more questions than answers?

Leading through the unknown is not about having everything figured out. It is about how you show up when you do not. Below are three strategies that have helped me stay grounded, focused, and effective while navigating seasons of uncertainty both personally and organizationally.

1. Focus on the Vision, Not the Unknown

When the journey introduces uncertainty, resist the urge to fixate on it. Instead, anchor yourself to the vision.

Our minds and bodies follow our focus. If we focus on the unknown, we will invest our time and energy into fear, doubt, and hesitation. If we focus on the vision, we create momentum, creativity, and resilience. Vision invites progress even when the path forward is unclear.

One of the biggest leadership traps I have fallen into is becoming attached to how I thought things should look. I created a mental image of success, and when reality did not match that image, I assumed I needed to change direction entirely. Too often, I allowed temporary setbacks to become permanent failures.

That mindset cost me and it impacted those who were following me.

The truth is that vision rarely unfolds exactly as expected. Staying committed to the destination while remaining flexible in the approach is what separates effective leaders from reactive ones. Stay focused. Stay faithful. Do not abandon the vision simply because the process looks different than you imagined.

2. Stay Grounded During the Unknown

Uncertainty is a season, not a sentence.

The unknown does not last forever, but how you handle it determines who you become in the process. Leaders must intentionally find ways to stay grounded mentally, emotionally, and spiritually so they can lead with clarity instead of fear.

When we are not grounded, our minds begin to work against us. We talk ourselves out of progress. We justify hesitation. We magnify worst case scenarios. Grounding practices create space for peace, which allows us to stay connected to the vision.

This looks different for everyone. It may be prayer, meditation, journaling, exercise, or a creative outlet. For me, it was golf.

Last summer, in the middle of significant organizational change including new products, redesigned systems, and restructuring teams while I was still learning the information myself, I found myself stressed and anxious almost daily. Once I gave myself permission to slow down and found peace through time alone on the golf course, something shifted. My mind reset. My body relaxed. My perspective widened.

That grounding did not remove the challenges, but it changed how I showed up to them. I was able to lead with clarity instead of frustration and with calm instead of pressure. Find what grounds you and protect it. Your team benefits when you do.

3. Create Space for Inspection and Perspective

One of the most common misconceptions in leadership is believing you must figure everything out on your own.

Leadership carries responsibility, but it was never meant to be carried alone. Take time to inspect both yourself and the environment around you. Study your behaviors, reactions, and thought patterns so you can remain aligned with the vision and grounded in peace.

Equally important is leveraging the people around you.

Your team exists for a reason. Their perspectives, experiences, and insights may be exactly what is needed to navigate uncertainty. History shows us this clearly. The President of the United States relies on a cabinet of advisors during moments of crisis. Leadership at every level functions the same way.

When the unknown presents itself, gather your cabinet. Ask questions. Identify what changed, why it changed, and what options exist to realign with the mission. Clarity is often found in conversation rather than isolation.

Final Thoughts

Uncertainty will appear in every area of life including family, career, and leadership. The goal is not to eliminate it, but to lead well through it.

From my experience, I would not have been able to guide my team through seasons of the unknown without peace, clarity, and fulfillment. When leaders stay focused on the vision, grounded in who they are, and open to perspective, the unknown becomes a proving ground rather than a stopping point.

Lead forward, even when the path is not fully visible.