Ambiguity is part of life. But what is ambiguity? It can be part of our work life, home life, and the world around us. It can arise from conflicting information, uncertainty, the lack of a process or a clear strategy, or even too many options, making it challenging to make a definitive decision or to rely on a specific outcome. This often leads to anxiety, confusion, and even an inability to act. It can also have an impact on our physical and mental health.

Again, ambiguity is part of life. However, when ambiguity infiltrates multiple areas of your life or when it lingers for a long period of time, it becomes harder to navigate. So, how can you navigate ambiguity?

• Acknowledge the ambiguity. While it can be difficult to admit something is out of your control, stop and acknowledge the situation and what you are feeling. It is okay to acknowledge whether a situation at work is frustrating or causing anxiety. It won’t lessen the anxiety, but in acknowledging it, you might find others feel the same way.
• Take a break. Step away from your desk by be taking a walk during your lunch hour or doing a little chair yoga. You might also get up and speak to a colleague about a completely different topic.
• Focus on what you can control. This is especially true when ambiguity has settled into multiple areas of your life. If work and home or the world are full of ambiguity, and you feel like you need a respite, focus on the tasks and projects you can control. This will allow you to feel productive by crossing items off your to-do list. While the ambiguity will remain, you won’t be letting it impact your productivity. And if you are struggling to be productive, give yourself little rewards for each thing you cross off your list, i.e., “When I finish that report, I will go get a Starbuck’s…”
• Take a mental health day. Pre-COVID, taking a mental health day, while not openly acknowledged, was something we all did. Post-COVID sick days no longer really exist. We never truly unplug from work. We might be sneezing and hacking, but still are on the Zoom, just with our camera off. So, take a true mental health day to clear your head. Do something you enjoy, such as gardening, antiquing, reading, hiking, etc.
• Consider the various scenarios. When you consider potential outcomes, you prepare yourself, even if what you consider is not the ultimate result. Just going to the process, whatever the outcome, can reduce the shock. This can prevent you from reacting poorly.
• Give others grace. While we may be experiencing the same ambiguous situation as our co-workers, we will react differently. If a co-worker doesn’t respond to your email in the usual timely manner, give them a little grace. That doesn’t mean you don’t reach out again, just do so with kindness. • Avoid the gossip mill. If you are waiting to learn about your role for an upcoming large project and the announcement has been pushed back multiple times, avoid gossiping with your colleagues about the reasons for the delay. It is understandable that in the absence of information, folks will make up their own narrative. Start with a conversation with your manager. They may have a better sense of the timeline. And if they don’t, I am not suggesting you can’t confide in a trusted colleague and even discuss potential outcomes. I am saying, avoid talking with everyone and getting caught up in potential conjecture that is wildly false, which could backfire on you.
• It’s okay to watch a funny animal or people video. According to the Mayo Clinic laughing is good for the body because it can relieve one’s stress response and soothe tension! So, go ahead and cue up a funny video!
• Get Rest. This is obvious and at the same time, often difficult. However, getting a good night’s sleep can make it much easier to deal with ambiguity, especially lingering ambiguity.

Learning to navigate ambiguity not only helps you protect your physical and mental health, but there are also other benefits. When you successfully navigate it by continuing to be productive, being proactive versus reactive, and can support those around you, you are showing signs of being not just a team player, but also being a strong agile leader. Take care of yourself!

Best,