How building connectedness helps navigate uncertainty
Uncertainty impacts on all of us, including managers and leaders. It can strip away familiar elements in life and business leaving us floundering – overloaded, stressed, reacting prematurely / prevaricating, and increasingly likely to avoid ambiguous situations (Forbes, 2020)
Building connections is a vital strategy to help navigate uncertainty, but new ways of working have transformed the way we work, live, and interact with one another.
- With new ways of working, how we connect is changing. Organisations, managers teams and individuals need to adapt – urgently.
- People’s networks have shrunk. Work connections are mainly with their immediate team. The impact is even more profound for new joiners.
- Evidence shows social isolation is increasing, impacting mental and physical wellbeing significantly. The effect is even greater for marginalised groups.
Connectedness helps navigate uncertainty in three key ways:
- By extending our sources of insight and knowledge – beyond what our own could possibly be alone.
- Reverts to a more natural and human way of being together and leading – making the most of our natural physiology and psychology.
- Boosts psychological safety – fostering creativity, learning, experimentation and risk taking.
There is an inherent limit for each of us regarding what we can know and our ability to have an objective perspective on any given situation. Yet, we can exponentially expand our knowledge and perspective by cultivating and connecting with a network of peers and colleagues — each with their own set of experiences and perspectives.
Leaders should involve the entire organisation in the strategy development process and draw on the power of an adaptable organization to come up with ideas and allow solutions to emerge. Leaders must also shift from a “know it all” to “learn it all” mindset.
If you create this sense of psychological safety … you can expect to see higher levels of engagement, increased motivation to tackle difficult problems, more learning and development opportunities, and better performance.
Source: Harvard Business Review, 2021
Additionally, a heightened focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion has emphasised the importance of cultivating connections that respect and celebrate our differences. Prioritising connectedness not only enhances organisational performance, but also contributes to creating more empathetic, compassionate, and inclusive workplaces.
In the face of unprecedented challenges and ongoing change, investing in human connectedness is an essential strategy for building resilient, high-performing teams that can successfully navigate the complexities of the hybrid-working landscape.
