Thriving in Uncertainty: How Successful Leaders Manage Ambiguity
Incredible People
Our mission: to build incredible leaders so they can build incredible teams. Development | Coaching | Facilitation
By @Natalie Lincolne, Director Incredible People
One of the hardest lessons for leaders is accepting that waiting for complete certainty is simply not an option. If we wait for every piece of information before acting, opportunities may pass us by. The real challenge lies in making sound decisions through the fog of ambiguity. We advise our clients to remember these four core principles to help them lead through change and uncertainty:
1.??????Perspective
2.???? The present
3.???? The future
4.???? Taking action
The power of perspective
Having perspective is one of the most valuable tools leaders can have during times of uncertainty.? Sydney University Leadership Academy Manager Dr Stephen Grey aptly described this as “having to move beyond the balcony and to the rooftop” for leaders to broaden their perspective.
This resonates deeply in leadership because ambiguity often clouds our immediate surroundings. Stepping away allows leaders to see patterns, trends, and potential outcomes. Instead of feeling stuck in the moment, they can recognise that?ambiguity is a temporary state that can lead to clarity and growth and more informed decisions.
So, instead of diving right into the problem when you encounter it, step back and ask, “What is this really about?”. This one tip could give you a shortcut to the right approach and save precious time. By pausing to recognise the problem type and applying a suitable mental model, we can navigate workplace tests with greater clarity and confidence.
Understanding the present?????
Managing ambiguity is about accurately understanding the present in order to anticipate the future. Instead of feeling stuck without a clear path forward, ask yourself "What is the most important action I can take right now with the information I have?"
This question helps you focus on what you can control and make progress, even when clarity is limited. It encourages us to prioritise action over hesitation, making the best decision possible in the moment, without waiting for perfect information.?
Take for example the owner of one of my local restaurants, who like many in hospitality industry during the height of the Pandemic d faced uncertainty about whether restrictions would ease or tighten further. But instead of waiting for clarity, the restuarant prioritised action by pivoting to a takeaway and delivery model, even though it wasn't their core business. They quickly adapted the menu to focus on items that travelled well, trained their staff on new safety protocols, and launched a local marketing campaign to reach customers at home. While the future remained uncertain, this immediate action allowed them to continue serving customers, maintain revenue, and keep staff employed, despite the evolving situation.
Visualising the future
Leaders must?recognise that today’s challenges can evolve into tomorrow’s opportunities. By visualising different outcomes in?three, six, or even 12 months?into the future, leaders can prepare for various scenarios. This can go a long way in identifying the key players needed to achieve their vision and who they need to support. ?A useful question to ask is, "What does success look like six months from now, and how can I prepare for multiple possible outcomes?" This will enable you to focus on long-term goals, even amidst uncertainty, and prompts thinking about how you can be adaptable and proactive in planning for various possibilities.
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Taking action ?????
The final step is implementation — turning that vision into reality. Leadership is not just about imagining the future; it’s about making it happen. Leaders who thrive in ambiguity are those who can turn uncertainty into a path forward.
This reminds me of the wisdom shared in the article from the Spanish poet Antonio Machado: “Wanderer, there is no road, the road is made by walking.” This beautifully captures the essence of leading through ambiguity. There is no clear road ahead, but with each step, leaders carve out a path that others can follow.
During the COVID pandemic, leaders around the world were faced with unprecedented ambiguity. Yet, we saw time and time again how they were able to act on the information they had to continue to guide and lead through collaboration, shared knowledge and adaptability. ?As American author and historian Edward Everett Hale once wrote about leading in uncertain times: “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something.”
You don’t need to have all the answers or control all the outcomes. You just need to do what you can, when you can.
Ask yourself, "What small, immediate step can I take today that moves us closer to clarity or progress?" This question encourages you to focus on taking practical, manageable steps, rather than getting overwhelmed by uncertainty. You don’t need to have all the answers or control all the outcomes. You just need to do what you can, when you can.
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If you’d like to learn more about how to lead through change,? join Natalie Lincolne, Director at Incredible People and experienced leadership coach, for a power-packed 90-minute online workshop this Friday October 18th, where you will learn how leadership is evolving and the build the skills and mindsets you need to thrive through complexity and constant change.
What we’ll cover:?
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Future of Leadership: How to Thrive in a VUCA World
When: Friday 18th October
Time: 11am
Cost: $49
Where: Online, click below to find out more and secure your place.?