How to Lead When You’re Still Figuring It Out

You don’t have to have all the answers to lead. In fact, if you wait until you do, you’ll never lead anything. One of the biggest myths in leadership is that you need to feel 100% ready before stepping up. Truth is, no one feels ready—not at the beginning, not even years in. I’ve led while grieving. I’ve led while broke. I’ve led while still healing from my own mistakes. And what I’ve learned is this: the best leaders are the ones who keep showing up—especially when they’re still figuring it out.

The Myth of the Perfect Leader

Too many people disqualify themselves from leadership because they think leadership means having it all together. They wait for the perfect plan, the perfect team, the perfect timing. That’s not leadership—that’s hesitation. Some of the most powerful leaders I know were a mess behind the scenes when they started. But they showed up. They listened. They took responsibility. They got better over time.

Perfection isn’t what inspires people. Progress does. Consistency does. Transparency does.

You’re Allowed to Lead and Learn at the Same Time

This isn’t about faking it. It’s about being honest while moving forward. It’s okay to say:

• “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m committed to finding them.”

• “I’m still learning, but I care deeply about doing this right.”

• “I may not be the most experienced, but I will own this fully.”

The people following you don’t expect perfection. They expect presence. They want to know you’re in it with them. That you’ll stand in the storm—not just the spotlight.

What Leading While Learning Looks Like

1. Listening More Than You Speak

You don’t need to lead with a loud voice. You can lead with a listening ear. Ask questions. Invite feedback. Learn from your team, your clients, your mistakes. The best leaders are curious, not just confident.

2. Admitting What You Don’t Know

When I started Nova Credo, there were areas I knew inside and out—and others I had to figure out in real time. I didn’t pretend to be an expert in everything. I brought in help. I owned what I was still learning. That humility builds trust faster than fake certainty ever will.

3. Making the Best Call You Can—Then Adjusting

Sometimes leadership is about making a call with 70% of the info. You can’t always wait for clarity. You make the best decision you can, communicate it clearly, and stay flexible. Leading is iterative. You refine as you go.

4. Surrounding Yourself With the Right People

You don’t have to know everything if you build a team that fills in the gaps. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in their lane. Trust them. Empower them. Learn from them. Great leaders aren’t know-it-alls—they’re resourceful.

Leading in the Middle of the Mess

When I was fighting through cancer, rebuilding financially, and starting over after divorce, there were times I didn’t feel like I had any right to lead. I felt disqualified. But what I learned is this: leading from the middle of the mess can be your greatest gift to others. It’s real. It’s relatable. And it proves that leadership is not about having a clean record—it’s about being committed to growth, to people, and to purpose.

Don’t underestimate the power of your current self. You don’t need to be 10 years ahead to be a few steps ahead of someone else. And that’s enough to help them move forward.

What You Gain by Leading Before You Feel Ready

• You learn faster because you’re in it

• You earn respect through authenticity

• You build resilience as you go

• You discover strengths you didn’t know you had

• You grow into the leader you were waiting to become

Leadership isn’t a destination. It’s a journey. And every step you take—especially the wobbly ones—are shaping the leader you’re becoming.

Final Thoughts: Leadership Grows With You

You don’t have to know it all. You just have to care.

You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing.

You don’t have to be finished. You just have to begin.

If you’re leading something—whether it’s a business, a team, or just your own next chapter—and you feel like you’re still figuring it all out, let me encourage you: that’s exactly where leaders are made.

👉 Schedule a call if you’re navigating leadership in real time and want strategy, structure, or support.

You don’t have to lead perfectly.

You just have to lead honestly.