How to get through uncertain times
After dinner with the Chairman of an international organisation (one of my clients) and his leadership team, an interesting question came up: How can we give people certainty in uncertain times?
The answer is rather simple, yet unexpected for many. However, let me first build some foundations:
- Uncertain times are a perception. First, I’ve been on this planet long enough to confirm there has hardly ever been a period of more than a couple of months that was not uncertain. And secondly, uncertainty depends on your mindset: what for one is completely safe, is for the other shaking ground.
- We need uncertainty. Yes, right, uncertainty causes variety, which is a fundamental human drive. This is why we create uncertainty subconsciously when things get too smooth. When everything is just fine. Not for long: Soon, we will add variety because our subconscious mind longs for it.
- Uncertainty is often a reflection of fear projected into the future. Lots of “uncertainty” is not real, but something that might come up if we believe the media and politicians. Guess who wants to make us feel uncertain because it’s in their best interest? You already know the answer.
After this foundation, here comes the simple answer to the initial question “How can we give people certainty in uncertain times?”:
The answer: “Not at all!” Because people can only create certainty by themselves.
After we understand the three foundations explained above, there is only one way to “make” people feel certain: teach them they themselves are the cause of certainty and uncertainty. We create these feelings that we see as realities. We need to become self-reliant and self-confident. This is precisely what most people are lacking and is also never taught.
It is your responsibility as a leader to teach people basic psychological concepts such as this one.
Make them feel certain by teaching them that certainty comes from within and by being a role model yourself!
Is this easy? Probably not. Is it important? Yes, tremendously! If you need coaching support, let me know. Otherwise, you can find lots of training material in my blog.