Leading in the In-Between

How to Lead with Clarity and Confidence in Uncertain Times

There’s a stretch in every season of leadership where things feel ambiguous. The decision has been made. The leap has been taken. The team is in motion. And yet—progress feels slow.

Outcomes? Unclear.

Motivation? Fading.

That’s the in-between—the space between the energy of starting and the satisfaction of finishing. It’s not the launch, and it’s not yet the breakthrough. For many leaders, this is an unsettling and frustrating season.

But the in-between isn’t wasted space. It’s where growth quietly happens. The moments that don’t look like victory are often those where transformation begins.

I’ve been here before—watching the excitement of a new plan give way to the slog of execution. It’s tempting to think something has gone wrong, but the truth is, this is where leadership deepens.

Recognizing the Season

One of the most helpful things I’ve learned is to name the season I’m in. It’s a small act, but it shifts perspective in significant ways.

I remember working with a client, Shannon, during a reorganization when everything felt like it was up in the air. She told her team, “This is a season of rebuilding—it’s going to take time to find our footing.” That simple statement was like a collective exhale. It allowed her team to pause, regroup, and re-engage with the work ahead.

When the path feels unclear, naming the season reminds us that uncertainty is temporary—and purposeful. Whether it’s refinement, rebuilding, or realignment, language matters. Articulating what you’re experiencing creates clarity and helps everyone find meaning.

Your team doesn’t expect perfection. They need honesty, clarity, and reassurance that the moment has meaning.

Leading with Transparent Optimism

There’s a delicate balance between “everything is great!” and “we’re drowning.” In the in-between, the most effective approach is transparent optimism—acknowledging the reality while reinforcing the long-term vision.

When Shannon told her team they were in a season of rebuilding, she didn’t stop there. She also admitted, “I don’t have all the answers yet, but here’s what we do know.” It wasn’t a big speech; it was honest, straightforward, and genuine. That moment of transparent optimism gave her team the clarity they needed and reinforced trust during a challenging time.

This approach is powerful, especially when trust is fragile. Gallup reports that only 23% of U.S. employees strongly agree they trust their organization’s leadership. Yet, when leaders communicate clearly, support change, and inspire confidence in the future, that figure jumps to 95%.

This sharp contrast highlights the transformational impact of intentional leadership—and underscores just how valuable Shannon’s honesty was for her team.

Transparency and optimism can transform team dynamics.

People often fill in the blanks with fear or false assumptions when communication is vague or missing. But when leaders speak openly—about what’s known, what’s unknown, and what they’re working toward—they earn trust. And when that honesty is grounded in purpose, they inspire.

Try this: “We don’t have all the answers, but here’s what we know and what’s next.”

That simple approach builds connection, confidence, and clarity.

Prioritize Consistency Over Quick Fixes

When the results aren’t coming fast, chasing quick wins or abandoning slow strategies is tempting. But I’ve found that consistency is often the quiet stabilizer that keeps progress alive.

Weekly team check-ins. A monthly one-on-one. A quick Friday reflection on what went well. These aren’t flashy, but they build rhythm and reassurance—especially in seasons where outcomes feel out of reach.

Consistency isn’t just for the team; it anchors the leader, too. When things feel unsettled, showing up creates stability for everyone involved.

This rhythm of steady leadership sets the stage for the next essential step: recognizing growth—even when it’s quiet.

Finding Growth in the Quiet

If you’re in the in-between, progress doesn’t always look dramatic. It might show up as more precise communication or stronger resilience—not the kind of milestones you’d celebrate publicly, but the kind of growth that shapes the future.

In slower seasons, many leaders benefit from choosing just two or three steady practices—things they can return to when everything else feels in flux. These little rituals keep things steady and grounded, even when bigger results feel far away. Over time, those habits build credibility and momentum.

Try asking yourself:

  • What feels better now than it did a few months ago?
  • Where has my response improved, even if the results aren’t visible yet?
  • What am I learning?

Those questions help you see the transformation unfolding beneath the surface. The growth is there—it just isn’t loud.

Transformation in Progress

Don’t lose heart in a season where the outcomes haven’t entirely caught up to the effort. The in-between is a transformation in progress. It’s where character is shaped, resilience grows, and authentic leadership takes root.

You’re not off track—you’re becoming. So stay steady. Keep showing up. And if you need personalized support to navigate the uncertainty of the in-between, book a strategy session to create clarity, build confidence, and lead with purpose.

Lisa L. Baker - Certified Personal, Career, Success and Life Coach

Lisa L. Baker is a professional life coach, career strategist, and keynote speaker. Lisa is the founder of Ascentim – a Maryland-based coaching practice that utilizes a unique G.R.O.W. process to help clients gain clarity, realize new possibilities, overcome obstacles, and win at life. Lisa shows high-performing professionals how to Level Up and Live the Life of Their Dreams.

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