Leadership is often judged in crises: the bold decision, the difficult call, the moment when everything changes. But sometimes the harder test is not in chaos, but in drift.
The news that the UK economy failed to grow in July may not sound dramatic. There was no crash, no collapse, no sharp plunge in markets. Just… nothing. But in leadership, nothing can be deadly. Because stagnation is not neutral. It corrodes confidence, saps momentum, and turns hesitation into habit.
The danger is that leaders mistake stillness for stability. In reality, standing still while the world moves on is another form of decline. Competitors gain ground, opportunities slip by, and followers begin to wonder whether their leaders have any sense of direction at all.
Here are five lessons worth remembering:
-
Drift is a decision. Leaders who fail to act are still leading—they’re just leading towards inertia. Waiting for clarity, for certainty, for a “better time” often means forfeiting the initiative. Leadership tip: Inaction is rarely neutral. Ask yourself, what am I choosing by not choosing?
-
Confidence is contagious - so is caution. Teams, markets, even nations take their cue from leaders’ tone. A hesitant leader breeds hesitation in others. Leadership tip: Even small, symbolic moves can reassure people that progress is possible. Momentum matters.
-
Standing still is rarely safe. Competitors, crises and change don’t pause while you deliberate. Leadership tip: Benchmark yourself not against your past, but against the pace of those around you. Are you leading, following—or already lagging?
-
Narratives matter as much as numbers. A flat economy might feel abstract, but people want to know what it means for their lives. Leadership tip: Tell the story honestly. Explain what’s happening and why. Silence or jargon only deepens mistrust.
- Renewal requires risk. There is no way out of stagnation without stepping into uncertainty. Leadership tip: Great leaders don’t wait for the perfect option. They make the best possible choice, then adapt.
Leadership isn’t only about averting disaster. It’s about setting direction when everything feels stuck. Because drift is rarely noticed at first, but in time, it proves as dangerous as any crisis. Leaders must remember: standing still is not safe harbour, it’s slow surrender.
William Montgomery is the Founder and CEO of TEN LTD, and an experienced keynote speaker and event host. He has spoken to a broad range of audiences on a variety of topics, bringing valuable insights and expertise. In addition, he volunteers with Speakers for Schools and Inspiring the Future. For more information or to request further insights, please contact him on +44 333 666 1010.