Uncertainty and the need for new role models
Wow, just think back to the good old days (the roaring 90s) when all we had to do was pick up another book about Jack Welch and apply “the GE way” to all of our problems.
Who now? Who can we use when things are so uncertain?
How about great explorers? Try Roald Amundsen. He was the Norwegian explorer who was the first to reach the South Pole on December 14, 1911. There was a lot of uncertainty about the terrain and the conditions he and his team would face. So he focused on some things that remained true and important no matter what – weight and warmth. For example, while waiting for the “good” weather he spent time shaving down the sleds and wooden boxes to get them as light as possible. He also spent time tending the sled dogs who would carry him to the pole. Think about your business. What DO you know during these uncertain times? You obviously know you have to keep costs under control. Do you also know that you will need new and better talent? Should you get rid of people to reduce costs or should you take this “downtime” to improve the capabilities of your team? Think like an explorer.
How about great detectives from our fictional past, the heroes of our who-done-its. We’ve all read about Sherlock Holmes but I prefer to think a bit more recent and consider the fictional Nero Wolfe. No action hero here – he’s big and fat. But he certainly sees the clues that others miss and comes up with unique ways to solve the crime. What are the clues that you need to connect to make some sense out of uncertainty? What scenarios could you construct and put into mental competition as you plan for the future. Think like a detective.
How about great scientists? Thomas Edison had great drive and a willingness to experiment and, most importantly, to use failures to rebuild and rerun experiments. He failed in the quest for a light bulb thousands of times as he dealt with uncertain properties of materials and how they would react with electric current. He also thought BIG – the light bulb was part of the electric system he had conceived. Scientists take it for granted that experimentation and failure are part of their daily life. Too many business people hold off until they are sure something is going to work. Maybe you should think like a scientist?
So, here are some of my role models during uncertain times. Who do you look to for guidance and inspiration?
Date: August 6th, 2009 @ 10:38
Categories: Leadership, Uncategorized, uncertainty
