Interested in more careers-related content? Check out our new weekly Work Life newsletter. Sent every Monday afternoon. As discussions about increased tariffs intensify, details remain vague and a supply manager wonders whether to place a large order now or risk higher costs later. A team lead hears that restructuring is imminent but lacks specifics on timing or severity. A project manager is tasked with integrating new artificial intelligence tools into the workflow but training is limited and expectations are unclear. These are everyday moments in today’s workplace and they all have one thing in common – the need to make decisions and inspire confidence amid uncertainty. Leadership often evokes vision and decisiveness. Yet, waiting for perfect information isn’t a luxury it can afford. Its true test comes when answers are incomplete and pressure is high. You may not have all the solutions but a simple framework can help you stay grounded and take thoughtful action. Here are five concrete steps you can take when you’re expected to lead in such situations: 1. Recognize that clarity may be delayed but action must proceed When circumstances are unclear, it’s tempting to wait. Maybe more data will come in. Perhaps the direction from above will shift. However, excessive hesitation can be detrimental. Progress relies on leaders willing to act despite incomplete information. The key is to distinguish between decisions that are reversible and those that aren’t. If a choice can be adjusted later, don’t let the pursuit of perfect information become a barrier. Move forward thoughtfully, monitor outcomes and be prepared to adapt. Taking a well-reasoned step is preferable to losing momentum through indecision. In uncertain times, people seek movement. Even small, confident decisions can build trust and generate the forward energy your team needs. 2. Anchor to purpose, not just process After initiating action, the next question is often: what now? Without a clear roadmap, purpose should be your compass. When standard procedures are inadequate, return to the basics. Ask: “What outcome matters most here?” or “What decision best reflects our values?” For instance, when managing competing team priorities during a resource crunch, don’t default to standard solutions. Instead, consider what choice best supports your customer, safeguards your team’s well-being or advances your organization’s long-term goals. Leading with purpose won’t eliminate uncertainty, but it will help you focus, articulate your reasoning and make consistent, values-based decisions. When the path is unclear, purpose keeps you grounded. 3. Communicate frequently, even if you have little to share Uncertainty breeds speculation. When leaders remain silent, information voids often fill with anxiety and rumors. Regular, open communication helps prevent misinformation and builds trust. Even without all the answers, share what you do know. Outline steps being taken to gather more information and explain how decisions are being made. “Here’s what we’re confident about” or “This is our direction for now” convey transparency and foster confidence. Confidence doesn’t mean having all the answers. Rather, it is about being honest and showing you’re committed to navigating challenges together. By staying visible and communicative, you reassure your team that, despite uncertainties, you are actively engaged and responsive. 4. Invite input, but own the decisions When uncertainty takes hold, input from others can be essential. It challenges assumptions, surfaces risks and broadens your perspective. However, collaboration shouldn’t be an excuse to delay action. As a leader, you must decide and be accountable for the outcome. Invite your team to contribute, especially when the path forward is unclear. Use their insights to shape a direction, communicate it clearly and proceed. People respect leaders who seek input but also value decisiveness. Owning the decision, even when it’s tough, builds credibility. It shows you’re listening without shirking responsibility. That balance is crucial when certainty is scarce. 5. Be a role model In uncertain times, what you do often resonates more than what you say. Demonstrating openness to new information and a willingness to adjust plans reassures your team that adaptability is valued. For example, if a project encounters unforeseen challenges, calmly reassessing and redirecting efforts can boost team morale and foster psychological safety. This approach addresses immediate issues and cultivates a resilient and innovative team culture. Staying emotionally steady is just as important. By managing your emotions, you set a positive example, encouraging your team to approach challenges with confidence and composure. This stability builds trust and ensures the team remains focused and motivated, even amid uncertainty. Ambiguity tests leadership. Strong leaders create clarity through thoughtful decisions, providing direction and steadiness. Ultimately, your team seeks honesty and composure, not all the answers. In uncertain times, leadership isn’t about having a perfect plan. It’s about showing up, making decisions with care and earning trust along the way. Merge Gupta-Sunderji is a speaker, author, mentor to senior leaders and the chief executive officer of the leadership development consultancy Turning Managers Into Leaders.