How to Manage Your Way Through Ambiguity

The political and economic fallout from Brexit continues, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that the business world is in shock.

According to People Management, only 5% of organisations had any kind of post-Brexit plan in place.

HR practitioners have found themselves on the receiving end of many concerns:

European staff are anxious about their employment status, and managers are worried about the effect on motivation and recruitment plans.

We are in unchartered territory and it isn’t possible for HR to provide the level of information and reassurance that people are looking for.

Managing through this kind of ambiguity is a challenge, but it’s becoming a critical skill for HR professionals.

But before you can effectively lead others through ambiguity, you need to be comfortable working with it yourself.

So, how can you improve your ability to manage through the unknown?

1. Let it settle

When confronted with a major or unexpected change, it can prove difficult to concentrate or think rationally.

Take the pressure off yourself.

Give the information time to settle and sink in until you’re in a better place to deal with the new challenges.

2. Understand your reactions

Most will go through three phases of transition* as they come to terms with a new situation.

*Bridges’ Transition Model

1. Ending, Losing and Letting Go2. The Neutral Zone3. The New Beginning

Ending, Losing and Letting Go:Can trigger emotions ranging from anger, fear, and denial to sadness and frustration.

The Neutral Zone:Starting to come to terms

with the new normal, but still feeling anxious and uncertain.

The New Beginning:Accept what’s happened and find the energy and enthusiasm, to

move forward in the new situation.

Being aware of what’s happening inside us when we are confronted with uncertainty can help us come to terms with the ambiguity.

3. Be in the moment

When we’re confronted with an ambiguous situation, the temptation is to try to plan for all the possible eventualities.

The problem with this is that we cannot plan for what we do not know.

Being in the moment, and thinking calmly about how to respond, leads to a more measured approach.

4. Work with what you have

People often struggle with the lack of control. Particularly for those who like the facts and figures

Managing through ambiguity, however, means working with what you have.

There often isn’t time to wait for the full picture.

The best possible decision should be made based on available information, and be prepared to alter things as the situation evolves.

5. Draw on your strengths

We all have different character strengths that guide the way we behave in and outside work.

Some people are curious and creative, while others may have bravery, honesty, fairness and humour in their make-up.

Using our character strengths can help us shift our mind-set, manage our anxieties and get ourselves into a good place.

Once you can master the ability to manage through unknowns, you’ll start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.