How to Lead In Uncertainty

The only thing that is certain is uncertainty itself. No matter whether you have a global or local perspective we are increasingly confronted with things that challenge the limits of our individual and collective knowledge. The pace of change continues to accelerate giving you just enough time to “figure things out” before everything is disturbed. Sometimes this is more subtle and in other instances it is a dramatic shift. 

To be honest, it can be pretty easy to lead when times are good – or at least we’re not challenged by constant change. Some “leaders” even fake it quite well. When adversity sets in true leadership or lack thereof will be revealed often with grave consequence. How does the emergent change impact the wise and deeply experienced leader? What do leaders make of this? How can one lead if the rules keep changing?

A leader’s role is to inspire others towards a stated goal. Is the goal still relevant? Is my path toward that goal still open? Can I quickly re-imagine another way and communicate that to others.

·     Invest in diverse talents

·     Avoid over specialization while seeking deeper knowledge across a range of optics or disciplines.

·     Be willing to shift from original plan – overcome sunk cost bias

·     Recognize the system has changed making previous paths irrelevant

·     Accept change will redefine your path (much like sailing which is seldom in a straight line)

“Seeing the world as it is” rather than how you wish it were will enable you to make better judgments and decisions to lead. To learn more register for one of our two day shops at www.thinkingcrisp.com or contact us at [email protected].