We only face some challenges once; unfortunately, uncertainty is a frequent visitor. Repeatedly, we will meet obstacles brought on by distressing situations and shifting information, choices or resources. An article titled, “When Nothing is Normal: Managing in Extreme Uncertainty,” published in McKinsey & Company, states, “Managers must work together to diagnose the current situation, consider its practical implications, explore how it might evolve and establish and execute appropriate actions.” Likewise, leaders must be equipped to continue pursuing their goals even when faced with uncertainty.
This article, the 10th in the series, continues to introduce the various Change Proficiencies, which are different strategies and techniques required to facilitate successful changes. In the last article, “Leaders — Partner with Doubt,” I shared how to neutralize doubt. This article will present the “Get Certain with Uncertainty” technique to help you accomplish your objectives despite the cloud of uncertainty.
What It Means to “Get Certain with Uncertainty”
To “Get Certain with Uncertainty” is to increase our awareness of how we respond to an unpredictable situation and identify clues that indicate forward movement. As our clarity increases, so does our ability to impact the results. Uncertainty is like an uninvited guest, but we have the power to regain control.
Why You Must “Get Certain with Uncertainty”
Despite the magnitude and duration of unpredictable situations you face as a leader, your responsibilities dictate that you deliver specific outcomes. There are times when you experience smooth sailing in your professional journey. Other times, uncertainty might feel like heavy rain pouring down on you, making it almost impossible to move forward.
Prolonged uncertainty can sabotage your chances of meeting deadlines, rob you of energy and lead to procrastination. The article quoted in the opening paragraph stated, “Delay is in itself a decision since taking no action has consequences.” The “Get Certain with Uncertainty” technique can illuminate your pathway when confronted with circumstances that disrupt your reality.
How to “Get Certain with Uncertainty”
To “Get Certain with Uncertainty,” you must honor your current state of being and acknowledge, accept and expand your role.
Honor Your Current State of Being
The first step to creating movement in an unpredictable environment is to make a conscious choice to honor your current mental, physical and emotional state of being. Recognize where you are as it relates to the situation, without judgment. If you do not honor it, your journey through uncertainty will be longer and more stressful.
Acknowledge Your Role
There are three major roles you will encounter in your journey through uncertainty: passenger, co-driver and driver. Visualize yourself peering into a car with three individuals inside. First, you observe a back seat passenger detached from what is going on inside or outside the vehicle. Next is the co-driver is in the front seat, who occasionally actively participates and assists the driver; other times, the co-driver, too, detaches from the experience and the results. Lastly, the driver is fully engaged and aware of surroundings, heading decisively toward the destination.
At different times in your journey, your thoughts, emotions, actions and energy will embody one of those roles. Each position has value as long as you fully embrace it without judgment. The level and extent of your engagement are clues to which role you have unconsciously or consciously chosen. To be empowered, a conscious choice is required to shift from feeling something is happening to you to acknowledging the role you have chosen.
Expand Your Role
How do you determine when you are ready to move into a new role? You may recognize a shift in your actions and energy that mirrors the functions of co-driver or driver more closely. When you do, consciously embrace the new position and celebrate each step toward more purposeful outcomes. Remember that the more involved and active you are — even simply accepting your position — the more influence you will have over the uncertainty. Set a new goal according to your timetable and current role to grow further.
What if you are not ready to accept a new role? Only you can determine when you are prepared to step into a new position. It can be helpful, though, to stay attuned to those you trust to assist you in discerning if a shift has occurred that you may not have noticed. Also, avoid the temptation to remain in one role because it has become comfortable.
In many situations, uncertainty is a moving target. It can begin to dissipate or become a denser fog based on changing circumstances. When you honor your current state of being and acknowledge, accept and expand your role, you can lessen the impact of uncertainty and create forward movement toward your goal.
The next article will introduce another Change Proficiency tool.
Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC
DJ Consulting Services, Inc.
East Fishkill, New York 12533
djohnson@djcsfirm.com
(845)447-1037
