What is your Default Response to Uncertainty?

What is your default response to uncertainty? 

I’m noticing a common factor at play beneath many of my coachees’ issues at the moment – uncertainty. Whether it be the war in Ukraine, climate change, inflation or something in your organisation, many of us are currently feeling unsafe.

What’s interesting is how differently many of us respond to a perceived lack of safety. Some of us withdraw, others become hyperactive, some become autocratic, others indecisive. All of these ways of operating can be effective when used deliberately. The problem is that much of the survival response is unconscious. What is your response?

I believe that learning to ‘be’ with uncertainty rather than defaulting to unconscious ways of operating is rapidly becoming a critical leadership skill. It gives us precious space to be able to decide how we want to operate rather than being run by our default programming.

One way to do this is through mindfulness. What sensations do you notice in your body when you feel unsafe? Do you notice your heart rate? Does your back hurt? Do you get headaches?

Under pressure perhaps see if you can pay attention to these sensations a little more, even sit with them for a moment or two, before acting. You might just find yourself back in control.

Have a great week everyone.