Uncertainty breeds fear and that becomes a black hole, sucking in vast amounts of emotional and physical energy that could best be used in more productive and progressive ways.
The shadow of uncertainty being cast across our world is entirely man made. After mostly surviving the cost of living crisis in the UK the rumours swirling around the forthcoming Budget are ramping up deep concern if not outright fear.
On a larger scale we face the possibility of escalation of the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East spilling over into something much bigger and more threatening to world peace. Even bigger is the threat of climate change. Will we even have a planet to worry about?
We can see the uncertainty-fear equation playing out in the workplace. Each shift in the external environment requires a response, some adaptation, the ability and will to go again. Meanwhile the challenges that arise are increasingly novel and defiant of past experience.
Frankly it’s something of a head in hands moment. Except, as leaders, that gesture – literal or metaphorical – simply adds to the fearful climate.
For sure there are times we can’t give certainty for our people in whatever situation arises but we can reassure through our behaviours, thoughts, words, actions, and the relationship and communication we have with them. And that starts with reassuring ourselves.
We can adopt a mind-set of openness to opportunity – even if it looks like a ball of trouble – rather than one of facing and surviving disaster. We can share with others what we know to be true and be clear where and what we don’t know but are open to learning.
We can draw on our inner reserves of courage, optimism and faith, both in our own abilities and those of others, and in the notion of destiny. And we can draw on our outer resources through collaborating with our stakeholders.
We can remind ourselves, and others, that we’ve been here before and this is just another challenge to rise to. We can start experimenting, small steps of change as we sense and feel our way through the fog. And we can consider, whether we like change or not, that, at times, nice surprises/changes for the better can and do emerge from uncertain times. It’s an attitude worth cultivating.