One of the most common challenges leaders share with me is this: “I feel like I’m leading through fog.”
Constantly navigating the unpredictable business landscape, different stakeholder needs, fluctuating team motivation (not to mention their own) and wavering energy. It creates a slow drift. Direction gets murky. Momentum fades.
And here’s the truth: in uncertain times, leadership isn’t about always knowing the next move. It’s about knowing what anchors you – and leading from there.
Too often, we see confidence without clarity. That’s when decisions get loud but lack depth. It’s the “fake it ‘til you make it” approach, and it’s exhausting. Boldness without purpose can be just as risky as no action at all.
This is where the Drift Shift model comes in. A tool to help you pause, assess where you are, and lead more deliberately through change.
It’s built on two critical anchors:
⚓︎ Confidence – your belief in your ability to lead
⚓︎ Clarity of Purpose – your connection to why you lead
The interplay between the two reveals four zones you may find yourself in at different times.
1. The Drift Zone (Low Confidence, Low Purpose)
“I don’t know what we’re doing – and I don’t feel equipped to lead it.”
In this zone, leadership feels heavy. Decisions stall. Energy drops. You’re second-guessing everything – even the small stuff.
🧠 Leadership behaviour: Avoiding decisions, leaning too heavily on others
⚠️ Risk: Team uncertainty, reactive choices, stalled progress
✅ What’s needed: Reconnect with your personal and team ‘why’. Win back confidence with small, clear moves.
2. The Directionless Zone (High Confidence, Low Purpose)
“I’m taking action – but is any of it moving the needle?”
You’re moving fast – but without a clear destination. The work is getting done, but it’s not meaningful. You’re in motion, not progress.
🧠 Leadership behaviour: High output, low alignment
⚠️ Risk: Burnout, wasted effort, missed opportunities
✅ What’s needed: Step back. Re-align your energy to outcomes that actually matter.
3. The Doubtful Intent Zone (Low Confidence, High Purpose)
“I know what matters – but I’m questioning my capability.”
Purpose is clear. But belief in your ability is shaky. This zone often looks like hesitation or waiting for certainty.
🧠 Leadership behaviour: Overthinking, delayed decisions, chasing reassurance
⚠️ Risk: Paralysis, missed momentum
✅ What’s needed: Support, coaching, and low-risk experiments that build belief through action.
4. The Deliberate Leadership Zone (High Confidence, High Purpose)
“I know what matters – and I trust myself to lead it.”
This is where great leadership thrives. You’re clear. Grounded. Decisive. Even when things are uncertain, your team can count on you to lead with purpose.
🧠 Leadership behaviour: Intentional, adaptable, steady under pressure
⚠️ Risk: Resilient leadership, inspired teams, meaningful progress
✅ What’s needed: Ongoing reflection, clear communication, and the courage to courage to bring others along.
Great leadership isn’t about always being right. It’s about knowing when to reset. When to shift. From motion to meaning. From noise to clarity. From drift to deliberate.
So here’s the question: Are you leading with direction – or just drifting with momentum? The shift begins when you choose to lead with intention.
