Security Stacking: Confident Leadership in Uncertain Times
- Therese Gopaul-Robinson
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Have you ever been in a leadership role, facing a situation where the path forward wasn’t clear? Maybe the industry is shifting, unexpected challenges arise, or you're simply navigating the daily unknowns of leading a team. In those moments, have you ever thought, What if I make the wrong call?
If so, you’re not alone. Every leader—no matter how experienced—has faced uncertainty. The key isn’t having all the answers; it’s having the confidence to keep moving forward, even when the next step isn’t obvious.
Confidence Isn’t About Certainty—It’s About Taking Action
A common misconception about confidence is that it comes from being fearless, highly skilled, or always certain of the right decision. But in reality, confidence is the ability to act despite uncertainty.
During times of change, what teams need most isn’t a leader who knows everything—they need a leader who is steady, communicative, and proactive.
How to Lead with Confidence in Uncertain Times?
1. Focus on the Right Questions, Not Just the Right Answers
Uncertainty can make leaders feel pressured to provide immediate solutions. But the best leaders don’t always have all the answers—they ask the right questions:
What do we know for certain right now?
What assumptions might be influencing our decisions?
What are some barriers that we are facing?
What small step can we take today to move forward?
Shifting your mindset from “I need to know everything” to “WE need to explore the best path forward” helps you stay adaptable and strategic.
2. Acknowledge Discomfort Instead of Avoiding It
Uncertainty can feel uncomfortable, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help your team. Strong leaders don’t eliminate discomfort; they guide their teams through it.
This means: 1)Encouraging open discussions about challenges and concerns. 2)Framing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth, not just a problem to solve. 3) Normalizing the fact that not every decision will be perfect, but progress matters.... This last one will be HARD...
When leaders are honest about uncertainty while maintaining forward momentum, teams feel more secure and engaged.
3. Build Psychological Safety to Strengthen Team Confidence
If you want your team to take ownership and feel like what they matters, they need to feel safe to voice concerns, ask questions, and take calculated risks. That’s psychological safety—it allows people to contribute fully without fear of criticism or failure.
To foster this environment:
Be transparent about challenges and unknowns.
Encourage diverse perspectives, even when they challenge the norm.
Recognize and reward thoughtful risk-taking, not just flawless execution.
When teams feel supported, they’re more likely to step up, contribute ideas, and help find solutions.
4. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection
Confidence grows through action. Every decision, small win, or lesson learned strengthens a leader’s ability to navigate uncertainty. Your team needs to see that movement matters more than waiting for the perfect answer.
Instead of striving for perfection, focus on:
Recognizing the steps taken, even if they’re small.
Encouraging a mindset of learning and iteration.
Reinforcing that setbacks are part of progress, not failures.
Last Things Before You Go!
Let Go of Perfection
No leader has a crystal ball. The most successful ones aren’t those who have all the answers—they’re the ones who are willing to take the first step, adjust as needed, and keep moving forward.
This means YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES!! I know, crazy, right?!!
The next time you’re facing uncertainty, ask yourself: Am I waiting for complete certainty, or am I willing to take action with what I know now?
Your team doesn’t need perfection. They need a leader who’s confident enough to try.
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