How to Successfully Manage Uncertainty
How to Successfully Manage Uncertainty
We live in uncertain times. The "Covid Crisis" has caused huge changes to our professional and social lives, and these changes will continue well into the future. With change comes uncertainty, causing most people to lose confidence and become anxious. The anxiety and loss of confidence has a detrimental effect on people's sense of well-being and their work productivity.
So, all organisations need to answer the following question:
How can we regain our "Sense of Certainty", lessen our anxiety, increase our confidence and improve our work productivity?
Heraclitus' Flux. The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus (c535-475 BC) said that we can be certain of nothing, because everything is in a continuous state of change, so whatever you think you know today, will be out of date by tomorrow. Consequently, we are all doomed to a perpetual state of self-doubt because, "how can we know what to do when everything keeps changing all the time"?
Heraclitus was wrong. There are things about which we can be 100% certain, which are our logical and moral principles.
Logical and Moral Principles.
Irrespective of what happens today, and in the future, there are a set of definite logical and moral principles upon which you can build your business strategy and base your "confidence culture".
You can be one hundred per cent certain about:
- Your goals: What it is you are trying to achieve. In a general way we all have the same unchanging goal: To "add value" to others. That principle never changes.
- Your core values: "Who you are and what moral principles you represent". Your core values don't change.
- Your standards: Irrespective of what happens, your "personal code of conduct" acts as an unchanging point of reference.
In addition to the above moral principles we can also be certain of logical principles.
- Evolutionary adaptation: Individuals, groups and organisations must continue to adapt themselves to changing environments. The principle of evolutionary adaptation never changes.
- Sensory acuity: Which means, Pay attention! We must always keep our eyes, ears, and mind open. We must be always acutely sensitive to the changing environment and be ready to make adaptations to our current designs, in order to live long and prosper in the new world.
- Rule of reason. Reason is your intellect. The rule of reason is, "We treat all people and all problems according to the principles of reason. We never treat people unreasonably".
- The law of Logic. Logic is the science of coherent thinking. The logical law is: "We never guess. We act only after a logical evaluation of all the available evidence". That principle never changes.
Summary: How do we develop certainty in an uncertain world?
Use the following list as the "foundation stones" of your organisational and personal certainty.
Moral certainties.
- Your goals: Your ultimate purpose.
- Core moral and ethical principles.
- Codes of personal conduct.
Logical certainties.
- Evolutionary adaptation.
- Sensory acuity.
- The rule of reason.
- The Law of logic.
Personal Development Training
To learn more about improving confidence and being more successful, please check out our Personal Development course, which is available online and in-house.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Leadership and Management
-
Five Common Management Mistakes
Many managers make mistakes in managing people. Perhaps they are poor at goal setting, or cannot delegate, or maybe lack sensitivity in dealing with others. Here are five common management mistakes which can be corrected with the right training.
Read Article > -
How to Best Communicate Your Message
During these unprecedented times, it is more vital than ever that Leaders communicate their message effectively. Organisations and their leaders have been known to fail because statements have been misconstrued. Make your communication effective.
Read Article > -
How to be a Positive Leader
Being a positive leader is about using positive motivators to inspire your teams. So, what motivates employees and how can you use positive motivators to incentivise them?
Read Article > -
How to be a Better Leader
In order to be a good leader you must be able to get the best performance from others; but first you must be able to get the best performance from yourself.
Read Article > -
Mastermind Alliance
Tapping into your team's collective ingenuity. The Mastermind Principle, integrating diverse perspectives, fosters harmony and cooperation, ensuring our creative output reflects the unified efforts of the entire team.
Read Article >
Looking for Leadership and Management Training?
If you're looking to develop your Leadership and Management Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 10 days, London - Central, places available