HOW TO LEAD WHEN ANSWERS ARE UNCLEAR
- Jan 2
- 1 min read
Admitting uncertainty can feel risky. It exposes vulnerability in a role often defined by authority. Yet that honesty often builds more credibility than a confident but empty answer.
The best CEOs don't hide from uncertainty, they turn not knowing into a source of strength, trust, and collective wisdom.
Name the uncertainty.
Don't pretend clarity where there isn't any.
Acknowledging what's still unknown builds trust .
Define what is clear.
There's always something to anchor to: purpose, values, priorities.
Reaffirm those before moving forward.
Invite collaboration early.
The earlier others are involved in the exploration, the more ownership and insight they contribute.
Stay curious longer.
Resist the instinct to jump to conclusions. Better questions lead to better strategy.
Model Learning.
When leaders stay open, teams mirror that behavior, creating a culture that learns rather than hides mistakes.
At REF, members are enriched by the diverse perspectives that emerge in peer-to-peer feedback, to make better decisions, foster innovation and drive growth.
Learn more about us: REF
You can access expert insights on the most relevant business topics while connecting with other leaders from our global community who have wide-ranging experiences of agility in their organizations. Interested in learning more? Contact Me
Lee Self
REF - Northern VA
703-402-5065 - Schedule a meeting with me
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