The most unsettling words in leadership might be “I don’t know what’s next.” After 17 years of coaching executives through transitions, I’ve witnessed powerful leaders—accustomed to clarity, direction, and decisiveness—suddenly find themselves navigating uncharted waters. That space between what was and what will be is rarely discussed in leadership forums, yet it’s where the most profound growth often happens. I discovered this truth firsthand at my own career crossroads, sitting at a desk surrounded by success metrics while an internal voice questioned if I was on the right path. The uncertainty was more than uncomfortable—it challenged my very identity as someone who always had the answers or at least knew how to find them.
Understanding the Transition Space
William Bridges perfectly captures this challenging period: “to be in transition means to be simultaneously in the process of letting go of something old without fully detaching from it, while also starting to engage with something new without being fully immersed in it.” It’s an in-between period where endings occur gradually, often before we fully recognize the change taking place.
This resonates deeply with my experience. Whether facing organizational restructuring, seeking new challenges, or navigating unexpected change, we often find ourselves caught between worlds – not quite ready to let go of our established ways, yet increasingly aware that something new is emerging.
Three Keys to Navigating the Unknown
Here’s how to transform uncertainty from an enemy into an ally:
Accept Where You Are
- Acknowledge that you’re in a transition period
- Give yourself permission to not have immediate answers
- While it may feel lonely – you don’t have to go it alone in this experience (find a trusted friend, mentor, coach etc… to share how you’re feeling)
Shift Your Perspective
- Instead of viewing uncertainty as a problem, see it as a necessary phase of growth
- Consider this time as the “research and development” phase of your next chapter
- Understand that feeling both attached to the old and drawn to the new is normal
Embrace Curiosity
- Ask yourself powerful questions about what truly lights you up
- Explore your strengths, dreams, and fears without judgment
- Experiment with small changes to gather data about what resonates
The Power of Patience
Let me share a client story that illustrates these principles: Susan was a successful executive facing major organizational changes. She came to coaching feeling uncertain about her role in the new structure and questioning her next steps. By taking time to explore rather than make hasty decisions, she discovered opportunities to shape her evolving role while strengthening her leadership approach. Today, she leads with renewed energy and purpose, having transformed uncertainty into an opportunity for growth.
In my own journey, accepting uncertainty led me to coaching, a career that aligns perfectly with my values and strengths. But here’s what I wish someone had told me earlier: the answer doesn’t always come in a flash of insight. Sometimes it emerges through small experiments, conversations, and gradual shifts in perspective.
The next time you find yourself in the land of “I Don’t Know,” consider it an invitation rather than an obstacle. This space – while uncomfortable – holds the seeds of your next breakthrough. Ready to explore your next chapter? Sometimes the most powerful step is simply acknowledging where you are and getting curious about what’s possible.
Elevate your Leadership Potential
To learn more about navigating career transitions and executive coaching, reach out to Courtney for a consultation.