When you don’t have the answers

A few years ago, I found myself in one of the hardest leadership situations: leading a team through a consultation process.

I remember the weight of those conversations — balancing transparency with compassion, trying to hold space for the team’s uncertainty, while privately carrying my own. It taught me that leadership in those moments isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up with empathy and creating a sense of stability, even when the future feels anything but stable. It’s a bit like flying through turbulence. You can’t control the weather, but you can steady the plane and reassure the passengers

Recently, a client came to me facing something similar. They were supporting their team through redundancy and the pressure was immense. Together, we worked on ways they could:

-communicate openly, even when the message was tough
-carve out time to really listen to individuals’ concerns
-look after their own energy so they could keep showing up consistently for others

One practical tip I share with leaders in this situation: be clear about what you do know and be honest about what you don’t. People don’t expect perfection, but they value trust and authenticity.

If you’re a leader navigating this kind of challenge, know that you don’t have to carry it alone. Coaching can provide a safe space to process your own experience while staying steady for your team.

If this resonates, I’d be glad to connect and share more 
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