We Need Uncertainty
"All progress is made during times of uncertainty." - Ozan Voral, Think Like a Rocket Scientist
Humans crave certainty. There is comfort in KNOWING something to be true. Yet if we find inspiration from rocket scientists, we see that certainty of facts leads to stagnation and zero scientific innovation. Before 1961, everyone was certain flying into space was an impossibility.
Then thinking became uncertain: “What if we can fly into space?” The space program was born, uncertainty ruled, and much progress was made.
You may not think you have much in common with a rocket scientist, but you may be surprised to discover how much Rocket Scientist Thinking you have been capable of this past year. What seemed too difficult or impossible before, suddenly became a possibility during and following the pandemic and years of uncertainty. Remote work and school? Socially distanced sports? Medical heroics? Necessity truly is the mother of invention. What have you and your team accomplished since then you never thought possible?
Life seems more normal now and you leave those crazy times behind, it can be satisfying to look back and reflect on the amazing things you accomplished.
MINDFUL MINUTE:
At the beginning of your next meeting, ask your team to list of all the PROGRESS that has been made post-pandemic, the big and the little. Congratulate each other, for not just surviving, but finding ways to THRIVE. Then ask what new ways of working have you discovered that have improved your work life and can become “normal operative procedures” even when this is over?
This is how progress works: often the best new ideas come from crisis and uncertainty.
Look for more mindful inspiration in our Mindful Manager series: 10 workshops to reflect on how best to lead our teams and grow our impact.