We have been taught (both formally and through socialization) that we need to have certainty and control - in business and in life.
We tell ourselves that if we just [research/ analyze/ strategize/plan/ manage] enough, we will figure out the right answers. We will be able to guarantee outcomes. We will be able to control the situation.
But that's not realistic in complex systems and environments that are constantly evolving and changing.
If you are in agile spaces, you logically know this because it's formally taught as part of the theory. And practitioners like me talk about it all the time both with the teams and leaders we work with and in the content we create.
And yet we still fall into this trap of chasing certainty without realizing it. I think the reason this happens is because we don't have something better to orient our leadership towards.
What we really need is clarity.
What's the difference?
Certainty is about knowing the right answers and what the outcomes will be.
Clarity is about connecting to what matters, choosing intentionally, and being in alignment as you take the next step forward.
First, let's look at the challenges created when we are chasing certainty. And then I will offer a way to break out of this trap and seek clarity instead.
Chasing Certainty Leads to Poor Leadership
When we are chasing certainty, it leads to creating goals that are not really focused on customer outcomes but rather outputs or activities. Because if we are going to be measured on whether or not we hit a goal, then we better choose a goal that is within our control.
When we are chasing certainty, we take an agile practice like story points for estimation and allow it to be used in ways that are the complete opposite of its purpose. Teams start using hours calculations and come up with other "creative" formulas to feel more "certain" of their story point estimate.
Similarly, velocity becomes used to micro-manage and judge a team's performance. And then team's start chasing a velocity target because they want to make sure it looks like they are working hard enough.
When we are chasing certainty, we can get stuck in analysis paralysis. In the context of a product team, we want to analyze the work in great detail before we start. This leads to potential waste and re-work, delays in value delivery, and limiting our learning. On a personal level, you may simply experience running through the pros and cons of a decision over and over, doubting yourself, and just feeling stuck.
On the other side of the spectrum, chasing certainty can cause us to rush decisions rather than allow the space to actually consider everyone's ideas and input. This often leaves people not feeling heard and prevents innovative ideas from emerging through the collaboration process.
How do we stop chasing certainty and orient towards clarity?
Recall that clarity is about:
- Connecting to what matters
- Being intentional in our choices
- Creating alignment as you take the next step forward
We don't have to know everything up front. We trust in our ability to respond to change and new information after we take that next step forward.
The first move in finding clarity is cultivating our Inner Leader.
The Inner Leader is like an internal compass. It helps us navigate the complex dilemmas and challenges we face in a way that we feel in alignment.
When we cultivate our Inner Leader, we:
- See ourselves, relationships, and situations more clearly
- Feel more ease in making decisions
- Trust in yourself and your ability to navigate any situation from a place of integrity
- Create a strong foundation to help us leverage other skills more effectively
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If you are wanting to change your relationship to uncertainty and orient yourself towards clarity, join me for a FREE Inner Leader Activation Training May 6-7. I am leading two 90-minute live calls with recordings available if you cannot join live.