To lead into the unknown requires a strong and constant core identity. The industrial era was about external journeys. The era we are moving into is mostly an inner journey of conscious evolution. People weather the storms of internal and external chaos by being clear about their purpose in life, their values, and their vision for themselves and the organizations they lead. The leader's core purpose and values remain constant and give the adventurer the courage and commitment to go forward into uncertainty, learning along the way.
Vision can change as people proceed, as their horizons broaden, and as new discoveries are made.
People and organizations lacking a clear and conscious core identity place themselves and their organizations at risk in today's leadership context. The essence of leadership is going first to show the way. Artist leaders proceed into uncertainty with limited information and with faith in their ability to learn and adjust as they proceed. Effective leaders are great improvisers. They do not require a complete picture of the situation before acting, nor do they require a detailed plan.