Leading in Uncertainty

Living in Ambiguity: Thriving Amid Uncertainty

Ambiguity and uncertainty are constants in life, especially in the current world we work and live within. The key isn’t avoiding uncertainty and change, but learning how to navigate it effectively. How we interpret ambiguity often shapes our response. There are generally only 3 ways we greet uncertainty and change: Oh Boy! (excitement and curiosity), Oh No! (fear and doubt), or Oh Well! (acceptance and neutrality). The same event can bring about different reactions depending on our mindset. It’s not the challenge itself ,but the mood we bring to the situation that determines our experience.

To thrive in uncertainty, focus on what you can influence, rather than striving for control (which is often an illusion). Cultivate practices that ground you: breathe deeply and consciously, practice gratitude, and engage in activities that bring presence and calm. Change your mental story by asking, “Is this the only possibility?” or seek new perspectives by listening to others. Recognize and adjust your mood intentionally—it impacts not just you but your entire team. Whether it’s a walk, a fresh perspective, or deliberate action, small shifts can help you move from merely surviving uncertainty and change to thriving within it.