THE TOOLKIT
Ambiguity is the only certainty.

No one knows everything. There are too many factors, details, data points, criteria, circumstances, and possibilities to truly know everything. And, even if we feel as if we’ve got a grasp on the situation, just wait five minutes. It will change. However, this shouldn’t deter us from making decisions. The challenge comes when we are asked to make decisions or move forward with an uncomfortable amount of ambiguity.

Research has shown that some people just seem to be more comfortable with higher levels of ambiguity than others. It isn’t right or wrong; it just is. Then again, there are certain functions and roles where we want to minimize the ambiguity as much as possible (e.g., accounting, technology, database input, investment strategies, etc.). Regardless, it’s important to realize that the unknown will always exist at some level. Recognizing this and knowing that it’s not necessarily any one person withholding information or trying to sabotage success provides for a greater “benefit of the doubt” response. And, as you continue to grow in your career, the organization, and industry, being able to become comfortable and navigate through ambiguity becomes key.