Helping teams handle ambiguity
Ever-changing work environments are almost the norm – organisational structures, people, markets and priorities change constantly. But change also inevitably creates periods of uncertainty and the ambiguity which results is not something most people are comfortable with. That discomfort can make itself felt in teams, so how do you help your team navigate these challenging periods? Here are a few tips to help your team members handle ambiguity like pros.
1. Foster a Growth Mindset
Encouraging a growth mindset can be a game-changer when dealing with ambiguity. Helping teams approach challenges as opportunities to learn rather than threats is valuable.
- Emphasise Learning Over Perfection: Make it clear that it’s OK not to have all the answers. The goal is to learn and adapt, not to be perfect. Share stories of how you’ve navigated uncertainty and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. This can help normalise the discomfort that comes with ambiguity and encourage your team to embrace the unknown. Encourage them to notice their response to the situation.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise and celebrate the small victories along the way. When team members try new approaches or come up with creative solutions, acknowledge their efforts. This reinforces a positive attitude towards experimentation and learning.
2. Provide Clear Priorities and Objectives
While you can’t eliminate ambiguity, you can provide a clear sense of direction. Help your team focus on what’s most important, even when everything else seems uncertain. The longer-term goal that everyone was working on until yesterday might have disappeared, but you can define a nearer, interim goal while clearer priorities emerge.
- Set Clear Priorities: Clearly communicate the key objectives and priorities. This helps your team understand what’s most important and where they should focus their energy. When the bigger picture is clear, it’s easier to navigate the unknowns. Those priorities may change – they almost certainly will – but the ability to flex is an important skill.
- Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins to review progress and adjust priorities as needed. This provides a steady touchpoint and reassures your team that you’re all in this together. It also offers an opportunity to address any confusion and recalibrate as necessary.
3. Encourage Open Communication
Creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their concerns and uncertainties is crucial. Ambiguity can feel isolating, but knowing they have support can make a big difference.
- Promote Transparency: Encourage your team to voice their questions and concerns. Be transparent about what you know and what you don’t. This honesty can build trust and help everyone feel more comfortable navigating uncertainty together.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Make it clear that it’s OK to ask for help. Foster a culture where team members support each other and collaborate to find solutions. This can turn ambiguity from a source of stress into a shared challenge that brings the team closer together.
4. Build Flexibility and Resilience
Finally, help your team develop the skills to be flexible and resilient in the face of ambiguity. These qualities are essential for thriving in uncertain environments. Building a degree of control over the situation - even if that’s with team members simply being equipped to control their response to it - is highly effective.
- Encourage Adaptability: Help your team become comfortable with change by involving them in decision-making processes and exposing them to different scenarios. The more they practice adapting, the better they’ll become at handling ambiguity.
- Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Equip your team with strong problem-solving skills. Encourage them to break down complex problems into manageable parts, brainstorm potential solutions, and evaluate the outcomes. This structured approach can make ambiguity feel less overwhelming.
Helping your team handle ambiguity is about providing support, clear direction, and fostering a culture of growth and openness. By doing so, you not only help them navigate the unknown but also empower them to thrive in it. So, embrace the uncertainty together, and watch your team grow stronger and more resilient in the process.