by David Quick
Thursday Thoughts: Leadership in the Unknown: Why Great Leaders Fly Without Knowing the Landing Spot
1 min 51 sec read
Thursday Thoughts Ep.3 - Leadership in the Unknown: Why Great Leaders Fly Without Knowing the Landing Spot
Introduction
In today’s fast-moving business environment, the best leaders aren’t those who always have the answers. They’re the ones who can lead confidently - even when the destination isn’t certain. In this week’s “Thursday Thoughts,” I dive into the paradox of leadership and why embracing uncertainty is essential to building successful teams.
The Reality of Leadership: Unknown & Unknowable
Every year, I work with over 100 businesses. And I’ve found a powerful pattern:
The most successful teams are led by individuals who understand that most of leadership is navigating the unknown and unknowable.
This insight was sparked by an episode of the Relentless Leadership podcast by Perry Moffmer. The discussion centered on generative listening and the idea that true leadership isn’t about having full control - it’s about how we move through uncertainty with intention.
The Balloon Analogy
One of my favorite analogies came from a conversation with Jason Faggin, a business owner, airline pilot, and hot air balloonist. He shared this:
“Every time I take someone on a balloon flight, they ask, ‘Where are we going to land?’ And I have to say, ‘I don’t know.’”
That simple exchange perfectly captures the essence of leadership.
The Leadership Dichotomy
Great leaders balance this dichotomy every day:
- Teams crave certainty.
- But business is filled with ambiguity.
Our job isn’t to provide guarantees. It’s to create direction - through a clear 10-year vision, 3–5 year strategic goals, quarterly rocks, and weekly scoreboards.
But more than that, it’s to inspire people to believe the journey is worth taking—and help them take bold, aligned action.
Final Thought
Leadership isn’t about knowing where you’ll land. It’s about getting the balloon off the ground and having the courage to fly.
Ready to Lead With Confidence?
f you’re ready to break through roadblocks and lead with clarity and conviction, connect with me today. Let’s cut through the noise and drive the results that matter most.
→ What’s your biggest takeaway from this week’s Thursday Thought?
Drop your comments on the form, and if this resonated with you, share it with a fellow leader.
Lead Boldy. Succeed Brilliantly.
Leadership is not just a role. It’s continuous journey of growth and impact.
