Working with Uncertainty

We expect leaders, including ourselves, to have the answers. If we don’t have the answer to a leadership challenge, we may feel inadequate.

These feelings, like inadequacy, may also include feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability. None of these feelings feel good to us, nor are allowed in the workplace, or so we’ve been taught.

Really?

Are we really supposed to never experience uncertainty as a leader?

We are human beings, “hard-wired for struggle” as researcher, Brene‘ Brown states. We are not the Hollywood version of leaders —we are human. And with our humanness, we are sometimes—make that many times, uncertain.

What do we do with this uncertainty?

Well, we bury it of course.

This strategy may work for us for a while, that is until it shows up again as illness, ulcers, or worse. Why do you think we are so stressed, obese, and addicted? It is because we bury and numb our feelings.

The interesting thing about numbing is that when we numb our “bad” feelings such as uncertainty, vulnerability, doubt, and fear, we are also numbing our “good” feelings of joy, peace, and gratitude.

  1. Another important aspect to know about uncertainty and vulnerability is that this state is where creativity, joy, and beauty are found. Walking through the door of uncertainty and vulnerability is full of endless possibilities because this is the location of our true, authentic self.How do we work with uncertainty and vulnerability without going crazy? Follow these five steps to support you during these times:

  2. Embrace uncertainty and vulnerability. Reach into it and pull up and out all of the fear, anxiety, and doubt. Burying and numbing will only allow it to surface again, so lean in, feel those feelings, and then release.

  3. Stay present. Don’t worry about the future or live in the past. The only moment you have is the present one, so why waste it?

  4. Stay in your own lane. When we start to compare ourselves to others, we set ourselves up for failure, not because we cannot be as successful as someone else can, but because we cannot be anyone else. What I can be is the best version of me, and what you can be is the best, highest self you can be.

  5. Practice gratitude. Nothing else will bring you into the present faster than gratitude.

  6. Be loving and truthful with yourself and with others.

Remember that uncertainty and vulnerability is the birthplace of truth, authenticity, creativity, and beauty.

What is your most celebrated example of this concept? As always, I love to hear your thoughts.

With love (and vulnerability),

Maria

Peace In The Workplace

So much of what we do as leaders is to create vision, motivate, and inspire others to reach that vision.

We imagine what our organizations will be like when we are successful at meeting our goals, meeting the mission, and realizing the vision. I love John Lennon’s song, Imagine. When I look at lyrics from his famous song, Imagine, I am struck by the simplicity of his statements and the call to action.

Living life in peace is possible in our world, our countries, our communities, our organizations, and our families. Peace begins with us, and feeling peaceful within ourselves. Of course, our internal peace is steeped in self-love.

Feeling peaceful in our workplaces is sometimes challenging, but not impossible. To shift to peace, requires awareness and a commitment to live life in peace. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Envision who you would be, living and leading your life in peace and hold that vision until it becomes reality.

Yes, it is true…I am a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us.

Now I would love to hear from you. What do you want to see change in your organization, community, and world? What are you willing to commit to today to be the change you want to see?

With love,

Maria