January 16, 2025
Managing Uncertainty Living and Leading in Uncertain Times
Uncertainty is so unsettling.
We are all living in such uncertain times with tensions between nations, threats of a third world war, a polarized country, and Elon Musk acting like the President of the United States.
It’s no wonder most of us collectively feel the effects of uncertainty.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, uncertainty is the state of being uncertain.
This definition makes sense, but it does not help explain uncertainty or the emotions that often accompany it. Existing in a state of uncertainty can make us feel awful, resulting in emotions such as anxiety, stress, fear, and even depression.
But why does uncertainty affect us like that?
Uncertainty affects our brains, and our subconscious mind interprets uncertainty as a danger or a threat.
This response turns on our sympathetic nervous system and our fight, flight, or freeze response. It causes the same effect as seeing an avalanche heading our way or a giant polar bear running towards us.
However, with uncertainty, there is no real danger or actual threat. It is all perceived in our minds.
If left unchecked or unresolved, uncertainty will lead to a sense of uneasiness or distress. Allowing our fight, flight, freeze, and stress hormones to wreak their havoc.
During that time, our thoughts can become distracted.
We fear a calamity and play out the worst-case scenarios in our heads.
Negative self-talk can also creep in, leaving us feeling trapped and unable to act. We can become undecided about what to do or the best course of action.
How can we manage uncertainty? By focusing on what you can control, staying positive, and being more present in your life.
No one can predict the future, and change is inevitable. Having an open mind and a growth-centered mindset can help. While there may be uncertainty now, you have the power to focus on what you can do in the present.
Focus on what you can control, like your thoughts. You control what your conscious mind thinks about, and your conscious mind controls how the messages from your subconscious mind are interpreted or responded to.
It is all up to you and how you react to the inevitable uncertainties you face.
Make a conscious effort to avoid uncertainty by staying positive. Replace those nagging negative thoughts with more positive ones.
For example, I had to have a medical test today, and I didn’t know what the results were. Based on my history, I might need to have another surgery, which feels unsettling.
Since I am uncertain what the test will show, I could become nervous and anxious.
Instead of giving in to my uncertainty, I can choose to stay positive and remain open to what the universe has in store for me. Stop stressing.
I can take a yoga class, be present and mindful, and help my body stay strong.
I’ve decided to choose the latter. It feels a whole lot better emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Managing uncertainty is an important skill to have in life, and it is integral to being a strong leader. The world is ever-changing, and uncertainty is always present in the workplace.
Competition, economics, politics, and technology all lead to changes in our careers and industries. We can never be sure what will happen next.
The global pandemic a few years ago is a perfect example of this. Our world has become a different place after COVID-19, and who knows how new technologies such as AI will impact the future and our industries.
Managing uncertainty comes with being a leader.
As a leader, traits such as adaptability and flexibility are critical. You can’t know what lies ahead, but you can be prepared to adjust your focus and your team’s priorities as challenging situations arise.
Keeping a positive outlook. A calm, cool demeanor will also help. Your team is always watching you. As a leader, you set the tone, so help your team stay focused and productive by staying calm in the storm of all those challenges headed your way.
Do what you can with what you have.
Use your knowledge, past experiences, and skills to make appropriate, timely decisions.
Know when to act decisively and confidently. It will be a bit uncomfortable, but that is normal.
You cannot control the changes that lie ahead, but you can control how you respond to them.
Stay positive. Keep an open mind. Adopt a growth mindset.
Practice self-care and mindfulness. Take a “time out” from the uncertainty and chaos to focus on what your mind, body, and spirit need to keep you balanced and healthy.
Stay flexible and adaptable, and coach your team members to do the same.
Together, you can face any adversity or change.
Love and Light,
Jackie
Check out our January YouTube video series for more tips and tools on being a flexible and adaptable leader.
Looking for more personal development and leadership skills? Click www.deleaninstitute.com to visit our website.
Sources
Sanderson, Catherine, The Psychology of Managing Uncertainty, September 21, 2021, Psychology Today, psychologytoday.com
Zucker, Rebecca, Rowell, Darin, 6 Strategies for Leading Through Uncertainly, April 26, 2021, Harvard Business Review, hbr.com
