How to Lead When You’re Still Figuring Things Out

Let’s be honest: most business owners are making it up as they go.

You launch with a dream, hustle to survive, then suddenly you’re responsible for other people — and expected to “lead.” But what if you’re still learning yourself?

Good news: you don’t need to have all the answers to be a good leader.
You just need to lead on purpose.

Here’s how.

1. Be Clear — Even If You’re Not Confident

Leadership doesn’t mean knowing everything. It means setting direction.

You don’t need a 5-year plan. But you do need to tell your team:

  • What matters this week

  • What success looks like

  • What you expect them to focus on

Uncertainty is okay. Confusion is not.
When people don’t know what’s expected, they panic — or disengage.

2. Say “I Don’t Know” — Then Go Find Out

Pretending to have it together backfires fast.

Instead:

  • Be honest about what you’re figuring out

  • Loop your team into the process

  • Let them help find answers

You’ll build more trust by being real than by faking confidence.

3. Lead by Behaviour, Not Buzzwords

Don’t worry about using “the right leadership language.”
Worry about:

  • How you show up

  • How you handle pressure

  • How you treat people when things go wrong

Your behaviour sets the tone — more than any motivational poster or team briefing ever will.

Culture is caught, not taught.

4. Create Tiny Systems to Free Up Your Brain

When you’re juggling everything, decisions become exhausting.
Fix this by building micro-systems:

  • Morning checklist

  • Weekly planning ritual

  • Client onboarding SOP

  • End-of-day wrap-up questions

Small systems = less mental clutter = more space for real leadership.

5. Protect Your Energy Like It’s Company Cash

Burnout destroys your leadership ability.

Schedule:

  • Thinking time

  • Rest days

  • Catch-up windows

  • Non-negotiable sleep hours

You are the engine. Don’t run it into the ground.
That’s not heroic — it’s sabotage.

6. Focus on Clarity Over Perfection

Don’t aim for the perfect plan. Aim for:

  • Clear communication

  • Measurable actions

  • Quick course correction

Your team can work with that. What they can’t work with is radio silence and shifting expectations.

Final Thought:

Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a decision.
You don’t have to be “ready.”
You have to be willing — to show up, be honest, and keep learning.

That’s what makes people follow you.
Not your title. Not your income. Your integrity and clarity in motion.

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