Managing ambiguity

Since mid last year, my business has plunged by more than 35 per cent. I can’t figure out what my company’s business direction should be now in order to pull out of this. My people are equally lost, bewildered and scared. Morale has been dropping as fast as our business. How can I prevent further bleeding to stay above ground, and of course, protect my sanity? 

 

Directionless: Leading in times of turbulence and ambiguity is what modern leaders need to accept as the new way of life today. One possible reason why your company is in this situation is because your people are not used to managing in such times. This is going to be the reality for a long time to come. New skills, such as speed, anticipation, communication and foresight, etc, are required to manage uncertain times and ambiguity. 

The Bottom Line: Acknowledge the situation and respond carefully rather than reacting to every chain of events that is happening. Act on what it is and not what you want it to be. Flow with the tide and distinguish between what is clear and not clear about the situation, what is going on and what needs to be done. Pool your best people together to brainstorm on what to do to fill in those gaps. Share this information with all your people and spell out exactly what everyone needs to do. Unity at this time is most critical.

Powerful Questions: Define what it is that you and your company are clear and not clear about? Where is the gap and how can this be filled? What information is needed and how can your people help in this? What is expected from all? 

 

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