“I Don’t Know” Isn’t a Problem, If…

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

“I don’t know” will default into retreating or relying on outdated strategies and approaches. Instead, anchoring on self-awareness provides a stable foundation for growth amid uncertainty. With a clear sense of who you are, who your team is, and what your organization really stands for, future unknowns are less daunting and become opportunities for proactive exploration instead of passive resignation. 

Self-Knowledge Is Your Best Strategy when moving through unknowns.

 

"I don't know" …

Seems to be taking over my conversations with leadership teams lately. Do you find yourself saying it more, too?

We always have unknowns, but with AI advancements, political shifts, economic fluctuations, global conflicts, and whatever else you want to add to this list, it's reaching a fever pitch.

But here's the thing—it's not a problem if we know how to navigate it.

Maybe obviously, we need to put in the effort to turn as many unknowns into knowns as we can. This means leveraging collective intelligence, embracing adaptive strategies, and investing in continuous learning. Yet, despite our best efforts, there will inevitably be more unknowns ahead.

Therefore, we have an important choice to make when we find ourselves at this juncture… We can retreat, cling to outdated strategies, or shrink back in fear. But chances are, if you're reading this blog, I suspect that's not your path—especially since those reactions only lead to declining performance and morale.

Here’s the more productive path. Focus on the things we know, No Matter What is happening around us: understanding ourselves, our teams, and our organizations.

When you know who you are, who your team is, and what your organization really stands for, “I don’t know” about exactly what’s coming next in the world isn’t a problem. With a clear sense of where you're coming from, the unknowns we all face in the future become much less daunting. Instead of worry and anxiety about the future, hurdles, problems and issues become opportunities for growth, transformational results and meaningful progress. 


Key Idea

Not knowing the future isn’t as much of a problem if you know yourself. “I don’t know” will default into retreating or relying on outdated strategies and approaches. Instead, anchoring on self-awareness provides a stable foundation for growth amid uncertainty. With a clear sense of who you are, who your team is, and what your organization really stands for, future unknowns are less daunting and become opportunities for proactive exploration instead of passive resignation.


Takeaway

Self-Knowledge Is Your Best Strategy when moving through unknowns.

Build your Movement

The last time you went through a difficult period, how did you respond? What would you change, if anything?

 
 
 

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