Ubiquitous Ambiguity (Part Two)
Last issue we shared how everything is ambiguous. Look at light and water. We don’t think deeply about either – even though they are ever present and crucial for our survival. Yet, at the same they are quite ambiguous. We also saw there is ambiguity in our work and play. Returning to these ideas now, how does this make you feel?
Mastery
Recall our intention was not to end our last newsletter with the idea of ubiquitous ambiguity. The key takeaway was simply, “Everything is ambiguous. Master it, and enjoy success.”
So, what is mastery? It is defined as “comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment” and “control or superiority over someone or something.” To attain mastery of ambiguity it takes fully comprehending what it is. It is so pervasive that even in your worst failures, there are plenty of victories, and vice versa. Even in stillness, everything is still moving or vibrating as physicists know all too well. That stationary sun of ours is moving at about 450,000 miles per hour as it orbits the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. How often have you thought about that? Or, the fact that the Earth is round but in your day-to-day living, you relate to it as flat.
This idea of pervasive ambiguity takes dwelling on. The same event can be viewed completely differently by two, three, ten, a thousand or more people. Everyone has a unique point of view that they bring to each experience. Everything is up for interpretation. And, each is valid in its own way. It really is. So, accept it and work on mastering your own interpretations so that they empower you.
Success
Does this mean how you win in business and life is by getting others to see your perception as the correct and valid one? You may think success is achieved by rippling your view like a wave on others in some manipulative manner so that there is “certainty” in this world of ambiguity. Pause and contemplate this notion. How does one succeed in a world of ambiguity?
It may be the opposite of what you are thinking. Success will come from embracing ambiguity and finding joy and acceptance in the fact that there is always going to be more than one valid interpretation for what’s going on or what’s happened. Given that, success will come from your choice of an empowering interpretation and you giving others the freedom to choose theirs, understanding they can change it at any time.
In business settings consider documenting and sharing via email to others the outcomes of meetings to align on interpretations at that time. The largest hedge fund in the world records every conversation. Radical, yes? Effective, you bet. In life, voice your empowering interpretations in a way that others become open to it. Perhaps the next time you talk about something you are working on consider adding the word “yet” at the end. “I haven’t achieved my career goals – yet.” One word can make all the difference, at least that’s my interpretation.
Certainty
Master how you interpret ambiguity in business and life in such a way that it empowers you and success will follow. Be aware that there is going to be revisionist history happening. Human beings are wired to revise their views at any time.
In business and life, as much as in physics and nature, the only constant is change. That includes interpretations. Practicing being adaptable and expanding your mind to consider other perspectives and how they change over time will garner you the agility to become stronger and more masterful throughout your life. It follows that one of the most highly sought-after skills or traits of an executive is...drumroll please...“Dealing With Ambiguity.”
Now that we have shed light on this fluid topic, perhaps you can be empowered in dealing with the certainty of uncertainty in life’s ambiguities.
Here's to you and your awesome future
Until then, keep your feet on the board and keep riding your wave!
Robert J. Khoury
CEO Agile Rainmakers