Becoming comfortable with uncertainty…is true freedom

This week I presented to a group of CEOs and MDs from Bath, Bristol and beyond. I had on what I call my Madonna mic. It’s not really a thing, but it is for me! #StrikeAPose

The brief: give them something to think about.

So I did…I said:

“Throughout history, humans have consistently strived to control situations, innovate, and better themselves and their environment. This relentless effort has significantly transformed our world and the way we live, enhancing our rivers, lands, businesses and livelihoods and societies.

Yet, this progress has brought us to a point where we now question the sustainability of these advancements and the survival of the human race.

Become comfortable with uncertainty

James Humes said, “The art of communication is the language of leadership.”

Change is inevitable or indeed the only certainty is uncertainty. We know this in business. We can do all the market research and analysis ever needed. Collect all the data we can find, but we still make assumptions.

We really can’t predict the future. This may change with AI. But us humans, I believe, will remain pretty unpredictable. Isn’t that the very essence of us?

Become comfortable with uncertainty

When it comes to speaking, our market analysis is best implemented through awareness of our awareness; mindfulness, and embracing the inevitable; the change. The moment-to-moment happenings. When we do, we master the language of leadership.

We know public speaking (whether to 1 or 1000) inherently involves a degree of uncertainty. No matter how thoroughly I have prepared for today, I cannot control every aspect of what happens. Not least of all your reactions to me speaking. The technical issues (like the PowerPoint not working earlier and me having to “wing it” now). Or even my own spontaneous thoughts and feelings which are coming and go all the time, whilst speaking to you.

And yet, we seek to control these uncontrollable things. Like we do in our lives and business.

Become comfortable with uncertainty

It’s like trying to stop yourself thinking of an elephant, when you’re asked to not think of an elephant.

But by becoming comfortable with uncertainty, I unlock a more dynamic and responsive style. Whether you like me or what I am saying and how I am saying it, I can’t control. In my mind, I let go of my attachment to what I believe I ought to do and say. I am free from the relentless pursuit of improvement. I allow the change to happen. And I respond.

Just to be clear, I am not saying improvement is bad. I am saying we keep taking the horse to water, but we can’t make it drink. Well, what if we are the horse?

Become comfortable with uncertainty

When we truly embody each moment; we are (I am) fully present. How? By simply noticing. Which is the opposite of going “full-steam ahead with my prep — saying everything I wanted to say.” The pursuit of evermore improvement. Doing more. Saying more. Being more.

When I become comfortable with uncertainty I see my mindfulness in action — being aware of my awareness with acceptance. For me, here today in front of you wonderfully successful people, it helps me manage nerves and self-criticism, often my biggest hurdles.

Consequently, I am able to connect more with what I am saying and how I am communicating it, and this in turn means I connect genuinely with some of you, because you feel something. And then think something.

Become comfortable with uncertainty

The Awakened leader points the way but we have to still drink. That job is our own. Things can be pointed out to us, but unless we take them to heart, examine them carefully, test them respectfully , digest them thoroughly, and make them come alive in our life. We communicate (we live and lead) by numbers. There’s no art to that.

We must make the right effort ourselves. We are the thirsty horse. The horse is going to drink. But first the horse must recognise that it is water. That it is something easily in reach, that he needs. Otherwise he will waste away even while he stands at the water trough.

Our ignorance is such that most of us don’t realise we’re thirsty. Or if we realise we’re thirsty, we look for water in the wrong place.

We must first see what we can control and what we can’t. Otherwise, we’ll waste our efforts in trying to do the impossible while ignoring what is easily within reach.

When we see, this moment as it is we have a presence. We have presence. And communicate in a way that directs our energies rightly. We become comfortable with uncertainty.

Then we can improve what needs to be better, and let go of what doesn’t.

That’s okay, more than okay; it is the art of communication. The language of leadership.

That, is freedom.”