Sometimes things are not clear and can be open to more than one interpretation.  These situations are ambiguous and the resulting confusion can be challenging to work through.

I often comment about leaders as facilitators and being a catalyst to group success rather than directive; however, ambiguity is a circumstance where effective leadership can make a real difference (and lack thereof a real detriment).

Leading from the bottom of the pyramid

I strongly believe, as a broad practice, leaders should not be in front most of the time.  I subscribe to  the inverted pyramid, where the tip of the pyramid, representing the heads of a organization, is at the bottom .

This concept focuses on releasing the power and capabilities of everyone in an organization (represented by the pyramid) rather than focusing on the few so called leaders.

Leading from front

That being said there are times when  leaders should live up to their title and lead, that is get out in front (i.e., flip the pyramid).  When an ambiguous situation needs to be addressed, typically confusion reigns.

By definition ambiguity includes  multiple views and perspectives largely leading to analysis paralysis.  If no one takes charge, successfully achieving the intended goal will probably only result by accident.

Leading directly, providing clarification and defining the course of action is sometimes the best approach.  This behaviour should be used sparingly, the power of the group should be leveraged most of the time, but when the group is in dissarry, the leader must guide.