The same way soldiers run toward the sounds of shooting, or firefighters run toward the blaze, effective leaders run toward uncertainty.

Uncertainty exists wherever there is tension. Tension is the indicator of change. And change is the work of a leader.

If you're leading an initiative of any kind, look for the tension of uncertainty and run toward it.

One guiding mantra I picked up along the way as a team lead is "make good things happen." (Thanks, Scott.) When I don't know what to do, I start looking around for something good to help happen.

One of the fastest ways to make good things happen in any kind of project is to create clarity. Even though there will be course corrections later, you free people up to charge ahead right now when they have a clear target.

Some good places to start with are where we're going, why, how we're getting there, and what comes first.

Just remember: about the time you're sick of saying it, that's when they start hearing it.