So let’s talk about uncertainty.
Not every culture has a high degree of tolerance for uncertainty. Consider American culture and the degree to which we rely on Day Planners, Outlook, Blackberry, and other similar instruments all in an effort to structure our day.
By the way…I’m an Outlook guy.
Anyhow, in many cultures this is is far from the case. The idea of planning out every moment of one’s life is an absurd notion in a number of cultures around the world.
Essentially, Uncertainty Avoidance is the degree to which a society or culture establishes norms, processes and rituals to avoid uncertainty (Northouse 2007). Similarly, this exists in organizational culture as well. Think about Six Sigma as an example of a way an organization implements a process to avoid having an out desirable outcome. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are yet another
Consider your own organization. To what degree is uncertainty a part of the culture? What measures are in place to avoid an unexpected outcome? How does this define the culture?
All questions to think about in identifying what is important in your organization.
Reference
You bring up a very intriguing topic. Uncertainlty can sometimes be an anxious place, but in most cultures, it not only unavaidable, but useful. Leadership through uncertain times is so important, too. I haven’t considered the topic as much on a business front as I have considered it in my personal life.
Kelly,
Your bring up a great point about leadership through periods of uncertainty being a critical competency. As we look back in history many of our greatest leaders were those who could lead the nation through periods of crisis and uncertainty. Kennedy, Truman, Roosevelt and Washington are great representatives of leaders who rose above the uncertainties of their times and guided the nation.
Thanks for the comment,
Mark