Navigating Change: Leading Yourself Towards Clarity
- Cindy Saunders | Leaders Rise
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Updated: May 8
Everything Looks Fine, But it Doesn’t Feel That Way
You start wondering: Is this still the direction I want to go?
It's easy to push that question aside because things are going well. However, when that question keeps showing up, it deserves your attention. It’s important to address these feelings, even if you're unsure of the outcome.
Leading yourself well means being honest about what's working, what's changing, and what may need to evolve.
When the Path No Longer Reflects Who You Are
Even the most experienced leaders can reach a point where they realize they've been following a version of success—a version of themselves—that no longer fits.
Maybe you started with clarity. However, over time, expectations, pace, and pressure can make it difficult to check in with what truly matters to you. You might be working hard but losing touch with your core values.
This doesn’t mean you’ve completely lost your way. Instead, it signals that now may be the perfect time to take a closer look at where you’re headed and why.
How to Take Ownership of What's Next
1. Pay Attention to What's Changing
Look at the trends around you. What’s happening in your field? What skills are in demand? What shifts are occurring in the way teams are built or how work is done?
Understanding the bigger picture gives you options and helps you move forward with clarity.
New Leadership for a New Era by McKinsey explains how the expectations for leaders and organizations continue to shift. It’s no longer just about technical expertise; today’s leaders are expected to be strong communicators, collaborators, and strategic thinkers.
Today’s leaders must move beyond their identity as professionals and show up as humans, with the courage to be, and to be seen as, their whole, best, authentic selves.
2. Reconnect With What Drives You
What kind of work energizes you? When are you at your best as a leader?
Getting clear on these questions helps you focus on what makes sense for you now rather than what was true in the past.
Reflect on the tasks and projects that keep you engaged and motivated. Are there specific activities that leave you feeling fulfilled?
It’s often overlooked how your values intersect with your professional life. When your work aligns with your values, it usually leads to greater satisfaction and effectiveness in your role. You can also explore my Leadership Momentum Guide, which includes a worksheet to help clarify your values and reconnect with your motivations.
3. Build in Resilience
Careers evolve. The leaders who remain effective are those who stay adaptable.
Being an adaptable leader takes consistent practice. Notice how you can show up in different situations. Leaders who maintain adaptability often demonstrate:
Willingness to exert extra effort in the face of change
A positive outlook, even under less-than-ideal circumstances
Flexibility in schedule, communication style, and methodology
Eagerness to learn and utilize new, beneficial technology
The ability to reprioritize tasks and take action
4. Strengthen the Mindsets That Move You Forward
When you're stuck in fear or self-doubt, it becomes harder to see possibilities clearly.
Your perspective narrows, decisions become reactive, and it may quietly erode your confidence.
Yet when you shift your mindset—even a little—it changes how you show up. You respond with more clarity, lead with more purpose, and those around you feel the difference.
Key mindsets to embrace include:
Growth – There's something valuable in every experience.
Abundance – Opportunities exist, even when they're not obvious.
Feedback – Input is essential, even when it's hard to hear.
Self-worth – Your value isn't based on constant external validation.
5. Seek Out Meaningful Stretch Experiences
Stretch assignments push you beyond your current skill set and are powerful tools for professional development.
Don’t wait for these opportunities to come to you; actively seek them out. Identify areas where you can contribute beyond your usual scope and propose initiatives that align with both your interests and organizational goals.
Embrace the learning curve, seek feedback, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Taking on stretch experiences not only expands your capabilities but also signals your readiness for greater responsibilities.
6. Have the Conversations That Matter
Development talks, compensation discussions, and feedback sessions shouldn’t be seen as distractions—they’re essential for leading your growth.
These conversations allow you to express your goals, receive feedback on your perception, and explore what’s possible in your current or future roles. Managed effectively, these discussions connect your day-to-day work with your long-term aspirations.
7. Write It Down
Keep it simple but real. Document your goals, strengths, areas for improvement, and actions you’re taking. Writing things down turns vague ideas into concrete plans.
There’s real power in this. Studies show that people who document their goals are more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. It’s about giving your growth a place to land. When you can visualize your path, it’s easier to stay focused, adjust as needed, and recognize your progress.
What Changes as You Take the Lead in Your Career
As your direction reflects who you are now, several aspects become clearer:
You articulate your intentions with clarity
You stop adjusting to fit expectations that no longer serve you
You define success in a way that aligns with your life
You bring more focus to your leadership because you're grounded in what matters
Your Next Step
You don’t need to reinvent everything. But it might be time to pause and ask yourself:
What do I want next?
What’s one meaningful step I can take in that direction?
Whether it’s setting aside time for reflection or initiating a crucial conversation, keep it doable. Approach it with honesty and seriousness.
Because leadership isn’t solely about where you’ve been; it’s about where you choose to go next.
Ready to explore what’s next?
Book a free 20-minute coaching session to gain clarity, reflect on your goals, and take a confident step forward—no pressure, just purposeful conversation.
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