With time, executives learn to
deal uncertainty – whether in the markets or the workplace, but dealing with
its close cousin, ambiguity, is a different ball game. Ambiguity makes
employees work in circumstances where there is no clear goal, outcome or path.
For some, it is the best time to innovate since there is nothing to lose, while
for others, there are a host of tools to deal with the unknown. There are, of
course, those for whom vagueness is a part of work life. ET suggests ways to
deal with the phenomenon.
Think of
All Scenarios
When clients are unsure of what
they want, it’s a tough call for entrepreneurs - there isn’t much left for them
to work with. Happy Hands, a voluntary organisation, is familiar with such a
situation. Companies often say they want workshops but do not know on what or
are unaware of how much they want to spend, which leaves Happy Hands with no
blueprint. “We think of many directions the project can go into and then work
on a Plan A, B or C,” says director Medhavi Gandhi.
Invest
in the Best
Instead of waiting for the client
to come up with solutions, Bangalore-based IT firm Wipro went through material
on ways to deal with ambiguity. It customised some tools and trained the top
brass on how to leverage the situation when there is no clarity. The teams were
made to increase their risk appetite and self-confidence and use the customised
tools, keeping in mind that one of them will lead to the result.
Look for
Similarities
A look at precedents and drawing
parallels can assist senior employees to work with ambiguity, says E Balaji,
CEO of Mafoi-Randstad. For him, the top brass often don’t have their KRAs clear
unlike those in the lower order, who know exactly what is expected of them.
Learning from similar experiences can help. If the experience is new, then
discussions with other heads who could pitch in will help the executive to get
over foggy conditions.
Take a
Leap of Faith
Innovation thrives best when
there is ambiguity. The downturn saw many companies increasing their R&D
spends and encouraging innovation in all spheres. Since it became difficult to
predict what might happen in a few months, companies used different methods to
try and reach out to more consumers with innovation.
Get the
Team Together
Team huddles, where everyone,
irrespective of experience, can be asked to study the scenario and come up with
permutations and combinations can not only yield solutions, but also enhance
team spirit. It makes those at junior level believe that they too are a part of
the larger picture. |
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