Nowadays, many people say that everything seems uncertain. That is true. However, when is that not the case? Uncertainty is a constant in our lives: We make forecasts and projections. But we never really know what will happen in the next minute, hour, or year. Yet undeterred, we plan summer vacations in the winter, deposit earnest money for a home based on floor plans, and pledge our lives to another without knowing what their future holds. Being immersed in uncertainty is familiar. However, learning to navigate uncertainty when there are multiple interpretations of the situation takes skill. It requires releasing the need to control everything, embracing a growth mindset, and learning to adapt to change to overcome challenges.

The emergence of a new challenge

Today, we must ask, what is so unique about the current times that we are on constant edge? Social unrest, economic volatility, and uncertainty about global health are significant challenges. However, they are always present to some degree. The unique challenge we are currently experiencing at a macro and micro level is navigating a heightened level of ambiguity. Ambiguity exists when people read and interpret a situation in multiple ways.

Several decades ago, when someone walked by their neighbor’s porch and saw a tray of warm chocolate chip cookies, they might have wanted them, but even when starving, few would dare to take them. Members of a community shared many unwritten agreements. For this reason, if you asked them why they suppressed their desires, they would say, taking someone’s property is wrong. That is not what we do around here! In other words, doing what is unbeneficial or hurtful to another weakens the community bond and is unacceptable – even if it benefits oneself.

The leadership challenge of the new era

When faced with the same situation today, common rationalizations include, they have more money than I. And, I have greater needs – they have one kid, and I have three! Also, I don’t have time to pick up dessert for brunch tomorrow. What are a few cookies to them anyway? I can get away with it, so it must have been meant to be!

When rationalizations become justifications, we don’t think about doing the right thing. Instead, we view getting away with wrongs as a mark of resourcefulness.
All reflects a growing and pervasive trend: The prioritization of self over community. The ramifications of this will be felt more intensely in the AI era, where some can leverage artificial intelligence to skirt standards at the expense of many.

The Opportunity.

Just as a family is at risk when a parent prioritizes themselves over the family, when individuals prioritize their interests above the community, society is on a slippery slope.

Previously, standard baselines enabled communities to form and operate. Everyone knew what was expected and accepted. And it helped them to understand each other. Now, neighbors test the limit to see how much they can get away with. Likewise, employees at all levels wonder how little they must do to stay on the team. Principles seem up for debate! Managing this is a challenge and a unique opportunity for an organizational leader. Leaders must learn how to lead effectively in ambiguity. Doing so requires holding multiple viewpoints simultaneously on a subject. I.e., seeing what is, while perceiving what could be, or being in touch with reality and imagining what seems implausible.

The Tip!

We can navigate ambiguity by engaging in dialogues with those who share differing points of view with the intent to learn, not to disprove.
Next time you hear someone share a different perspective on an approach, engage them to exchange thoughts, not to defend your position, and to understand their perspectives, not refute their suggestions.

For you and to you,
Aké

Image credit: Pexels_Andrea Picqaudio