Chapter 7: How Can You Cultivate an Awareness of Uncertainty?

Synopsis
This is the first of three chapters that focuses on how to embrace uncertainty on a more practical level. Dispelling myths, such as: failure is harmful, consistency is always important and answers are more important than questions, is a good starting point for personally cultivating an awareness of uncertainty. This mindset can also evolve by developing new skills and sensibilities such as seeking inspiration from those whose success came from embracing uncertainty, and developing an aesthetic appreciation for chaotic environments. From an organizational perspective, effective leaders can create a dynamic climate in which uncertainty is not only recognized, but actually cultivated by using strategies such as occasionally "shaking the platform", and challenging existing rules-of-thumb.

Outline

1. Misconceptions
1. Misconception 1: Failure is harmful
2. Misconception 2: Consistency is always important
3. Misconception 3: Answers are more important than questions



2. How can you personally cultivate an awareness of uncertainty?
1. First, seek inspiration from those whose success came from embracing uncertainty
2. Second, develop an aesthetic appreciation for chaotic environments
3. Third, peruse different maps of the same territory
4. Fourth, change your physical environment
5. Fifth, modify your communication style



3. How can you get your organization to embrace uncertainty?
1. First, occasionally "shake the platform"
2. Second, challenge existing heuristics or rules-of-thumb
3. Third, "fuzzy up" your expectations
4. Fourth, put an information perish date on all communications
5. Fifth, ask penetrating questions
6. Sixth, monitor the environment

Take the Chapter 7 Self Test