Navigating Uncertainty

In an increasingly uncertain world we need to embrace uncertainty, rather than shy away. But how?

Our ‘EMBRACE’ model succinctly captures seven proven strategies for leaders to employ to better tolerate, navigate and embrace uncertainty.

Deep dive into each element
Click here to download our EMBRACE one-pager

E

Examine

Pause to make sense of what’s going on.

There are different types of uncertainty and your strategy for navigating through it will need to reflect this.

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M

Multimodal

Use several evidence sources.

As situations are more uncertain and problems are increasingly complex, multifaceted, or novel, using multimodal evidence is even more necessary.

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B

Build tolerance

Boost awareness & tolerance of uncertainty.

It is not natural for humans to feel comfortable with uncertainty. As the human mind attempts to keep us safe, it equates uncertainty with potential loss – loss of life, safety, security, pride, or connection.

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R

Resist traps

Avoid common leader traps. Become a ‘not knower’.

During time of uncertainty, there are many traps that leaders can easily fall into.

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A

Agile plans

Make plans but review and adjust regularly.

Standing still is not an option – the world is moving whether we like it or not.

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C

Connect

With each other, wider purpose, & ourselves.

In the post-pandemic and hybrid-working world, human connectedness emerged as a critical factor in employee engagement, well-being, collaboration, innovation, resilience, agility and organisational success.

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E

Expect emotions

Accept that feelings are part of the experience.

Leaders have a major influence on the emotional climate of a workplace.

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Based on our latest insights

The smartest leaders learn to tolerate the uncertainty, provide a healthy blend of stability and agility for their teams, and adopt productive strategies to move forward. In other words, they embrace rather than resist. This insight paper summarises the very latest research into the nature of uncertainty, its impact on us as humans and organisations, and introduces a brand new evidence-based framework for leaders to use.

Download our paper (PDF)