Uncertainty, at the edge of chaos, is often where we thrive and achieve our best action.

Uncertainty is a massive opportunity to be proactive, achieve effective change management action and boost your self esteem.

Usually, though, it doesn't feel like that.

What follows is a summary of a process that can be applied to any change situation and any part of any change situation.

It suggests that there are six things you need to do to be in control especially if facing uncertainty:

1. get into a positive and resourceful state of mind.

Take responsibility and get into a proactive mindset which will help to keep your negative emotions under control.

In particular, be sure to use self hypnosis, think positively and programme yourself for success.
(Click here to see the benefits of negative thinking).

2. know the change process (eg the change curve) and know, therefore, what to expect.

For example, understand that the emotions shown on the change curve are “normal”.

Also, be clear that change is a process and the emotions will pass (for most people in most situations). This should help you to avoid getting stuck in uncertainty.


3. do some diagnosis.

That is, ask many questions, and seek a lot of information (which you may not get, but keep asking) etc. to get an understanding of:

* what’s happening?

* why?

* how?

* and what are the ends? (and what are the means?)

4. then do some planning.

For example, what do you want in this situation? (do you really want to sit around feeling sorry for yourself?, and, if so, for how long?)

what choices will you make?

what resources (eg others) do you need and have?

what are you going to do?, and how are you going to do it?

5. take action, just do it.

Sounds simple and easy - and, it may be or it may be hard and complicated.

Question: how do you eat an elephant?

Answer: bit by bit (or, bite by bite, if you prefer).

However big or daunting things may seem, break them into smaller bits, prioritise the bits, and tick them off your list as you do them.

Take action though - it’s the waiting around for something to happen that will make you a victim (because you’re not in control, you’re waiting for someone else to be, aren’t you?)

6. close the loop.

Check out regularly if your actions are delivering success.

Seek feedback, learn (especially ensure that double loop learning occurs) and make changes to what you are doing, and how you are doing it, as needed - loop round steps 3 to 6 as many times as it takes to deal with uncertainty.

Uncertainty often worries us even though, once we be proactive, it is where we often thrive, boost our self esteem, deliver change management and achieve positive action.
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