Most leaders are taught to focus on direction.
Set the vision.
Paint the future.
Inspire people toward what’s next.
Direction matters—but it’s not what creates momentum.
Momentum comes from decision.
You can have a clear vision and still feel stuck.
Teams know where they’re going, but progress is slow.
Meetings happen, but nothing moves.
Everyone agrees—yet nothing changes.
That’s not a direction problem.
It’s a decision problem.
Leadership stalls when decisions are delayed, softened, or endlessly revisited. And the cost isn’t just time—it’s trust.
When leaders hesitate:
Indecision doesn’t feel dramatic. It feels responsible.
“Let’s get more data.”
“Let’s revisit this next quarter.”
“Let’s see how things play out.”
But delay is still a decision—just one that pushes uncertainty downstream to everyone else.
The higher you lead, the less clarity you get.
Perfect information is rare.
Complete alignment is unrealistic.
Timing will never feel ideal.
Leadership isn’t about waiting until the path is obvious. It’s about choosing a direction before certainty exists—and adjusting as you go.
Strong leaders don’t make perfect decisions.
They make clear ones.
Clarity gives teams something to act on.
Action creates feedback.
Feedback creates progress.
That’s how momentum is built.
Here’s the shift most leaders need to make:
Stop asking, “Is this the right decision?”
Start asking, “What decision creates movement right now?”
Movement reveals information.
Stalling hides it.
The leaders who create momentum aren’t reckless—they’re decisive with intent, accountable for outcomes, and willing to course-correct when needed.
If your team feels stuck, don’t start with motivation or messaging.
Look at the decisions you’re avoiding.
Make one clear call.
Create movement.
Adjust forward.
Leadership doesn’t start with direction.
It starts with decision.
Enjoyed this?
Join The Shift — a weekly newsletter on leadership, systems, and creating momentum that lasts.
Chris Wilson
If this article was useful, you’ll enjoy The Shift — weekly insights on leadership and momentum, published every week since 2020.
Chris Wilson is a leadership keynote speaker and former aviator, and the creator of the Momentum Shift Framework. He helps leaders and organizations navigate change, make clear decisions under pressure, and restore forward momentum.
Weekly insights to help leaders navigate change and build momentum
© 2026 Chris Wilson Co. All Rights Reserved
