30 Second MBA: How do you deal with uncertainty?
Check out our Skool Principal, Darrell Kopke’s response to Fast Company‘s ’30 Second MBA’ question: How do you deal with uncertainty?
Those of us who are entrepreneurs or who work in start-ups or fast growing companies know first-hand that uncertainty is a standard state of being. When everything is new and processes are created in reaction to spontaneous problems, chaos is what is normal.
When we were growing lululemon I promised the entire team that we would have to endure an indefinite period of constant change. I let them know that if they were uncomfortable with uncertainty that the company was probably not right for them. Some people thrive in chaos, others need the stability of large scale companies.
Given in start-ups and small companies you cannot get away from flux, how can you cope?
It is important that all of your decisions are grounded in your organization’s shared values and their related behaviours. If you have not identified your organizational values, co-create them with your team. Also, ensure that all members of your team understand how they can, in the course of their day to day roles, behave in relation to these core values. This will allow the entire organization to work in
alignment and eliminate inconsistent behaviours that create flux.
Another way to cope with uncertainty is having a clear vision of the future of your organization. Distinctly define what a perfect company looks like in 5 years and set in motion a plan to make that happen. Then, ensure that all of your decisions and behaviours are based on achieving this vision. Contextual decision making, decision making that is founded on an end goal, enhances your organization’s ability to minimize flux and uncertainty.
Uncertainty is not going away any time soon. Learn to enjoy the flux or use these mitigation tips to cope.
Click HERE, to see how other business leaders answered this question.
Written by: Darrell Kopke, Skool Principal
Indeed. With a rudder - vision and values - even a small boat not just stay afloat but adjust and control (to a point) its direction. Without it, even big ones are at the mercy of the sea.
Now wit the missing word “can” : Indeed. With a rudder – vision and values – even a small boat can not just stay afloat but adjust and control (to a point) its direction. Without it, even big ones are at the mercy of the sea.
awesome answer. you should vid your posts too. stickier, and they deserve more exposure.