SPECIAL NOTE: WorkMatters Tips has been delayed this
week, but then so has the NASA Discovery Space Shuttle launch. I had the rare
opportunity to tour Kennedy Space Center
earlier this week with my family, and to visit with some of the NASA executives
with whom I work.
Special thanks to folks at NASA Marshall Space
Flight Center for being such great hosts at the launch
event!
We were there to see what could have been a beautiful night time
launch…but the Florida weather didn’t cooperate. The experience inspired me to
write about one of the most important aspects of leadership…dealing with
uncertainty.
Leading in Uncertainty
Most of us live in a world where conditions will never be exactly right to
accomplish our goals.
Leaders, in particular, operate in a world where decisions must be made
quickly, often without the time or information they’d like to have.
Sometimes the business atmosphere is scattered with storms you’d like to
avoid. Clouds form in the shape of corporate politics, unclear goals, market
threats or communication breakdowns.
Leaders who can lead amid the uncertainty build stronger organizations in the
long run.
Here are some keys to help you lead well in the face of uncertainty:
- Clarify priorities. Ask yourself, and your team, “What’s
most important?” This is an excellent question that helps people think more
clearly when they seem overwhelmed by possibilities. As a leader, it’s tempting
to prompt questions about “what needs to be done.” Actions are good, but
priorities can change. Clarify what’s most important first.
- Build capability. Building capability builds confidence.
Although people may not know what the future holds, they can approach it with
more confidence when they feel like they’re adequately prepared. Encourage
ongoing learning. Help them develop the skills and strengths to be ready for
anything.
- Squelch the rumor mill. It’s easy to get rumors started
when the future seems uncertain. You can obsess about what might be, or make the
most of what is. Those who stay focused on the work to be done, while
demonstrating their ability to adapt to change, will be most successful. Don’t
let people “stir up stuff.”
- Accept uncertainty. Uncertainty is a natural part of
business. Just as NASA builds in hold times in its countdown process, you can
build in some wiggle room in your business or processes to make adjustments if
needed. Anticipate all the variables. Weigh the risks. Expect surprises.
Storms will come and go. But staying focused on your clear mission will
skyrocket your results!
PS: My latest WorkMatters PRINT newsletter is on the topic of
“INSPIRING CHANGE.” In case you missed it, just let me know. I’d be happy to
send you a pdf copy by email.
On the Lighter Side
It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.~Yogi
Berra
Leadership Resource
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Take The Bull by the Horns was recognized as a Finalist in the 2009
Next Generation Indie Book Awards!
The book received awards in two categories: Best Business Book and Best
Overall Design for Non-Fiction.
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