In the third installment of the Leading the Change blog series, we look at strategies a leader can learn and implement for navigating an organization through uncertainty and ambiguity especially related to change.
Embrace The Challenge
The first and foremost thing to do is to accept that there is a challenge ahead. There are two challenges, the first one is accepting the need for change and strategy to execute. The second acceptance is of the fact that there will be unforeseeable turmoil when change is proposed, planned, and executed. The foremost challenge that comes along with change is the uncertainty within an organization. Therefore as a leader, embracing the fact that you are in for a tricky ride is winning half the battle before it even starts.
Be Adaptive
The process of change followed by uncertain acceptance of colleagues and the workforce alike requires a leader to have an open mind. A leader cannot lead through complexity and ambiguity without the ability to change himself. Therefore, a leader who fosters a culture of adaptability within an organization must make sure that the change and its acceptance begins at the very top.
Build Resilience
For navigating through the change process, an organization needs to be resilient. The nature of such an organization is not built when ambiguity comes calling but when everything is running smoothly as planned. In this peacetime, a true leader builds up an organizational culture where employees from the top to bottom are ready to accept change and adapt to it.
Build Comradery
Your employees are likely facing a shared threat that may prevent the acceptance and implementation of planned change. However, acknowledging that you are "all in it together" and that "we will overcome the challenge" can create trust, loyalty, and stronger bonds. These connections may be difficult to achieve during calmer times but can improve team cohesion during uncertain circumstances. Continuous work in these relationships is required to sustain loyalty within the team members.
Act Inclusively: Lead From The Front
Telling everyone who works for you that you are in it together might not be the ultimate solution if you don’t back it up with action. Therefore, in times of uncertainty a true leader blossoms. This effectively means that you lead from the front by adapting to the proposed changes. If you are the first one to accept change, half the game against uncertain times is won because everyone knows that 'everyone is in this together"
Create The Right Environment.
The best leaders who navigate through uncertain and ambiguous situations don't just surround themselves with the right people - they also create an atmosphere that allows for good decision-making. This means fostering an environment of psychological safety for team members and encouraging open communication where everyone can speak up, suggest ideas, and ask questions. Unfortunately, some leaders may become more authoritarian under pressure instead of collaborative, which can ultimately harm their leadership and the team's success.
Embrace Imperfection
Even if you create an environment where open communication persists so that everyone can speak up, suggest ideas, and ask questions but the mistakes are frowned upon; you might not get the desired result. Think about the impact of making small improvements over time without making a mockery of mistakes that come with change acceptance. Amazon, Meta, and Etsy are great examples of companies that have grown tremendously since their start. Being open to innovation also means being able to accept setbacks, redirection, and even failure along the way.
Creating The Right Culture
There is a slight difference between creating the right environment and culture. The main difference is that environment is a short period whereas culture is a long-term deal. Similarly changing these to a positive set requires that much amount of time. Changing the environment takes less time whereas culture needs a long-lasting impact.
Dealing with ambiguity requires establishing a workplace culture where employees aren't preoccupied with things beyond their control. Instead, they focus on what they can influence. Great leaders excel at creating an environment that allows each team member to stay engaged and concentrate on making a valuable contribution, even when facing uncertainty.
Final Verdict
Therefore, a multi-pronged strategy for a leader is mandatory if he has to navigate his company or team through rough waters of uncertainty and ambiguity. One cannot rely on a single strategy because each strategy is designed for a specific set of problems. The more you have up your quiver, the better you are equipped to lead the change in your company with your team following you as well as welcoming it with open arms. Hence accepting the challenge, being adaptive, building a resilient organization, communicating to foster connections, acting as part of the team, accepting downsides, and creating the right environment are a few strategies that a leader can equip himself with for leading through change while fighting the menace of uncertainty and ambiguity.
However, it would help if you also created a culture where trust and loyalty are the essence of an organization. A detailed discussion on how leadership affects building a loyal team/organization follows up next, which you can check out by reading our blog "The Role of Authentic Leadership in Building Trust and Loyalty."
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