I’m a Leader Now - What do I do Next?
So, you’re in charge—maybe sooner than expected. No playbook, no clear instructions, and people are already looking to you for answers. It feels overwhelming, like trying to navigate in the dark.
A lot of new leaders experience the same frustration:
“I want to question everything, because a lot of what I see behind closed doors doesn’t make sense.”
You encounter confusing decision-making processes, behaviors from executives that seem out of place, and outdated thinking rooted in, “we’ve always done it this way.” It’s easy to feel lost or frustrated when things don’t align with how you think they should work. But the key to leadership isn’t knowing everything from the start—it’s learning how to see clearly, act intentionally, and adapt to your environment.
How Do You Lead When Things Don’t Make Sense?
Leadership isn’t about rushing to fix everything. It starts with understanding the context you’re in—observing, absorbing, and then taking thoughtful action.
Here’s how you can begin:
1️⃣ Observe Before You Act
Speak less, listen more. Pay attention to actions, not just words. People’s behavior reveals the real priorities and power structures within a team. The more you understand these dynamics, the more intentional your decisions will be.
2️⃣ Identify Systems and Patterns
Organizations often run on invisible systems and routines that can resist change. Some systems may feel outdated, but they exist for a reason. Observe how decisions are made, who influences outcomes, and what informal rules shape behavior. Understanding these systems will help you navigate effectively without disrupting things prematurely.
3️⃣ Decode the Culture
Culture isn’t what’s written in policy—it’s built through everyday behavior. Pay attention to how success is celebrated, how failures are handled, and what unspoken rules guide behavior. This will help you align with—or shift—the culture over time.
The Power of Getting Comfortable in the Unknown
Here’s the truth: Being comfortable with not knowing is essential, whether you’re a leader or not.
In a world that’s constantly shifting, uncertainty is inevitable. The ability to make progress without having all the answers is what sets effective leaders—and professionals in general—apart. If you expect everything to be clear from the start, you’ll always be playing catch-up.
When you get used to being in situations where you don’t fully understand what’s going on, you start developing key leadership qualities:
Adaptability: You learn to adjust as new information comes in.
Composure: You stay calm and think clearly under pressure.
Curiosity: Instead of fearing uncertainty, you lean into it—asking the right questions to uncover opportunities.
The reality is that leadership is rarely black-and-white. You’re going to encounter ambiguity, incomplete information, and gray areas. Your ability to move forward through uncertainty—without waiting for perfect conditions—is what will build your resilience and influence.
Your First Job: Build Clarity Through Action
It’s tempting to question everything right away—and, eventually, you probably will. But leadership isn’t about flipping the table on day one—it’s about building clarity through small, intentional actions that give you insight and build trust.
Here’s how to get started:
Ask thoughtful questions: “Why do we do it this way?” or “What would happen if we tried something new?”
Build relationships: Identify the key players—both formal and informal—who influence decisions.
Find small wins: What quick, meaningful improvements can you make right now to build momentum?
You Don’t Need All the Answers—Just Clarity and the Next Step
Leadership isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about developing a clear view of your environment and acting with intention. When you understand your context, the path forward will start to reveal itself.
If leadership feels overwhelming at first, that’s okay. Start by seeing clearly, build small wins, and learn as you go. Each step will bring you closer to becoming the leader you’re meant to be.
The biggest lesson? You don’t need to know everything—you just need to take the next right step.