Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence

They say that the only things that are certain are death and taxes. How about we add uncertainty to that list? While life is full of uncertainties, large and small, in the world of work, there seem to be more now than ever. And even if that isn’t true - there are plenty. That means if we want to lead successfully and confidently, we must learn how to navigate uncertainty more skillfully.

What Most People Do

Through observation and study, there are three basic approaches most people take to uncertainty.

• Be the Bull in the China Shop. The proverbial “bull in a china shop” is someone who is reckless or destructive in a delicate or sensitive situation. In conjunction with uncertainty, that means they plow forward with their plans and approaches, ignoring any signs of a context that is uncertain. The “bulls” act as if nothing has changed and just keep moving – often leaving chaos in their wake. While it is possible that taking action is a positive thing, not acknowledging or adjusting based on what you know (and don’t know!) will likely cause problems.
• Play Ostrich. The popular myth is that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when they feel threatened. While it is just a myth, people often do something similar during times of uncertainty by trying to ignore the signs and consequences. The fact is, that ignoring it, or trying to “wish it away” isn’t a very effective way to deal with uncertainty individually, and certainly not as a leader.
• Freeze Up. Another common response to uncertainty is to recognize it but become immobilized by it. In this case, the uncertainty overwhelms us to the point of us being unable (or unwilling) to act. In some ways, this is the opposite of the “bull in the china shop,” replacing indiscriminate action with no action at all. Often in uncertain times, there are things we can and will be best served to do, even if we don’t have all the information.

If you are like me, you have probably done all these things or certainly have seen each of these responses in action. And chances are you agree that while understandable, none truly help us navigate uncertainty in ways that are helpful.

A Better Way

Here are three things you can do that will help you deal with uncertainty for yourself and especially as a leader.

• Realize that uncertainty is real. Uncertainty is real and is everywhere around us. And not just the big global, societal, or technological uncertainties either. You don’t really know how the customer will respond, what your team will say or think, how the traffic will impact your day, or a thousand other things. We must realize that it is real. Ostriches need not apply to be your coach. Once we acknowledge it as a natural and common occurrence, we will be more open to the adjustments we might need to make.
• Consider the context of your situation. A big key to navigating uncertainty is to look honestly at what you do and don’t know – and what you can and can’t know about a situation. This allows you (or you and others) to begin to consider what you might try or consider in the face of what you don’t know. Like exploring the wilderness, when you have surveyed the landscape, you are better prepared and equipped to move in your desired direction.
• Act based on context, not habit or preference. If we don’t consider context, we will operate on autopilot (see the responses above). But once we accurately survey the situation – even acknowledging the uncertainties – we can make educated choices or make small experiments to help us learn more. These may not be our natural inclinations. But it is these intentional choices to shift based on uncertainty that will build your confidence when you face the next uncertainty.

Navigating uncertainty as a leader is a critical skill today. The goal isn’t to remove all uncertainty, because we can’t. Rather when you know what you might do and have a process for approaching uncertainty, you will build your confidence in the face of the unknown.

Applying the above ideas (and avoiding the common responses) will help you lead more effectively, and with greater confidence.