[September 24, 2015] Truly great leaders are rare and they are rare for a very good reason; they thrive on ambiguity while everyone else is halted by it. The very best people that I’ve ever known are motivated, inspired, and capable of decisive action despite ambiguity and the uncertain environment that is fostered in it. Moreover, it is axiomatic that the higher in an organization that one rises, the more likely one will find ambiguity in their work.
Worker-level and junior leadership tasks are more easily understood, routinized, and repetitive. Senior leader tasks are more complex, changing, and decisions are made with less information and greater uncertainty. People normally shy away from jobs that don’t have clearly defined roles because the ambiguity creates uneasiness and apprehension.
The very best of leaders however are attracted to the ambiguous environment and excel because they are capable of doing several things. Here are a few things great leaders do to thrive on ambiguity:
- They make timely and skillful decisions. This requires a thorough understanding of the problems and issues at stake within the organization; something that requires a deep perceptive ability and an appreciation for the psychology of people.
- They take decisive action. This means they act when required and consciously don’t take unnecessary risks. Understanding what it takes to thrive on ambiguity is the acme of success.
- They take care of their employees. This is done by ensuring quality and appropriate training, by giving clear and concise instructions, and by ensuring a positive work environment.
- They set high standards and high expectations. In particular this takes time and patience; most people struggle with settings of uncertainty, complexity, and volatility.
Only the most immensely adaptable leaders are those that can survive and thrive in ambiguous situations. As such it is a core competency of the most successful leaders. Those who can overcome obstacles in our competitive, evolving, and transitioning organizations are those we want on our team. They are indeed rare.
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