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of nothing, because everything is in a continuous state of change, so whatever you think you know today, will be out of date by tomorrow.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.
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Definition: Sense of Certainty
A sense of certainty is a calm, focused state of mind people in business feel when they know their goals, live by fixed values, think with clear reason and stay ready to adjust to new events. When any one of these four pillars is missing, the feeling of confidence and steadiness quickly falls apart.
Show CG4D Definition
- rests on clear, shared goals
- is anchored by firm core values
- acts through sound reason and logic
- adapts quickly to ongoing change
Article Summary
Uncertainty loses power when we set clear goals, live by firm values and let reason steer every step; this mix builds confidence, eases anxiety and boosts work results even as change rolls on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What does a “sense of certainty” mean at work?
How do clear goals help manage uncertainty?
How can living core values reduce workplace anxiety?
What is sensory acuity and why is it useful during change?
What does the rule of reason add to decision-making?
Why is evolutionary adaptation called a “certain” principle?
How can I apply the law of logic to new workplace challenges?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
The 2024 CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work survey notes that 67% of UK staff cite "ongoing change and uncertainty" as the main cause of work stress. A 2022 McKinsey survey of 1,400 global firms finds that companies that train staff to adapt are 42% more likely to report above-average growth.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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