Leading Through the Fog: Sustaining Momentum and Making Progress in Times of Great Uncertainty
Leading Through the Fog: Sustaining Momentum and Making Progress in Times of Great Uncertainty
The lack of predictability resulting from shifting economic landscapes, global crises, technological upheavals, and social unrest is threatening to result in organisational paralysis. Forecasts shift, strategies must be reshaped mid-course, and the “right answer” is increasingly elusive.
At Alumni Global, our ongoing dialogue with clients has centred around one critical question: how do we foster sustainable leadership in times like these? From our perspective, the leadership of today is about progress. It is about making human connections, building ethical clarity, and moving forward—however uncertain the road. We believe that building durable, forward-moving organisations requires leaders who, beyond their experience and expertise, demonstrate distinct personal qualities. Working with our clients, we have developed processes to help identify these leaders and tools to assess and develop them.
We believe that the role of a leader is not to have all the answers, but rather to create a sense of direction when none is evident, to hold steady in ambiguity, and to activate movement—especially when the terrain is unclear. It is less about control and more about trust, resilience, and the ability to generate momentum.
Director, Executive Search at Alumni Global
“From the dialogues I have with company leaders it is very clear that a big part of leadership today isn’t so much about having the clearest plan — it’s about giving people the confidence to move, even when the path is unclear.”
Momentum as a Leadership Imperative
In times of uncertainty, momentum is a powerful force. It doesn’t always come from significant, bold moves. Often, it’s created through small, deliberate actions that signal progress, reinforce purpose, and build collective energy. It matters because uncertainty drags organisations toward inaction, self-preservation, and silos. Momentum, by contrast, signals that we are still choosing to move—together.
How can leaders build and sustain momentum when so much feels unstable?
Anchor in Purpose, Not in Plans
Plans change. Markets shift. Assumptions expire. But purpose endures.
Leaders who consistently ground decisions in their organisation’s core values and purpose create a compass that outlasts any strategy. This anchors teams emotionally and ethically, allowing for flexibility without disorientation.
Ask: What remains true, even now?
From there, every action—however small—becomes a step aligned with identity, not just opportunity.
Embrace Micro-Decisions
In volatile contexts, leaders often feel pressure to make sweeping decisions. But the most effective approach may be counterintuitive: start smaller.
Micro-decisions—agile, responsive, incremental choices—allow organisations to maintain forward motion without committing prematurely to fixed outcomes. These micro-moves foster adaptability, build confidence, and reduce risk.
Momentum often looks less like a sprint and more like a series of intentional steps.
Lead with Transparency and Humanity
Uncertainty breeds anxiety. Silence can be misinterpreted. In these moments, the most powerful leadership tool is communication—not with perfect answers, but with presence.
Leaders who share what they do know, acknowledge what they don’t, and express a genuine commitment to learning and adaptation build trust. Empathy is not a soft skill here—it’s a stabilising force.
Ask: How can I help my team feel seen and steady, even if the path is still unfolding?
4. Create Feedback Loops
In stable times, feedback is a tool for refinement. In uncertain times, it’s a lifeline.
Leaders must open channels to listen deeply—to customers, employees, partners, and the communities they serve. These voices become both compass and mirror, enabling course correction and validating progress.
Momentum is sustained not just by movement, but by learning. Listening is what turns motion into meaningful direction.
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Outcomes
In a world where goals may shift mid-journey, recognising effort and adaptation becomes crucial. Celebrating progress signals to your team that they are moving forward, even if the destination changes.
This not only sustains morale—it multiplies it. Recognition fuels resilience.
“There is clear sense of indecision in the market. It is good to remind oneself that in uncertain times, momentum comes from small, purposeful actions — not from waiting for the perfect answer, but from staying anchored in what truly matters.”
Pauline Nilsson Cattaneo
Head of Interim Management at Alumni Global
From Surviving to Shaping
To move from merely surviving to actively shaping the future, leaders can ask themselves:
What decision can I make today that reinforces our purpose?
Where can we generate momentum—not through certainty, but through intention?
Who needs to hear from me—not because I have all the answers, but because I care?
Based on insights from decades of interactions with business leaders and knowledge from leadership theories and research, we at Alumni Global claim that building durable businesses requires leaders who show characteristics that include humanity, authenticity, drive for growth and an agile mindset. We have established processes to identify these competencies in leaders and tools to assess and develop them. You can read more about what is needed of our leaders in today’s business landscape here .
If we can help you with any area of leadership acquisition or development please do reach out.
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