Ambiguity is a common challenge in the consulting world, as our clients’ needs are ever-changing and often unpredictable. Ambiguity can arise from unclear goals, conflicting expectations, incomplete information, and/or vague outcomes. How do we cope with ambiguity?
One way to succeed in ambiguous situations is to adopt a strategic mindset by linking challenges and opportunities to a client’s mission and goals, rather than as threats or failures. A strategic mindset helps us embrace uncertainty and experiment with different solutions, rather than sticking to a status quo that avoids risk. Another way we succeed in ambiguous situations is to seek clarification, ask questions, share feedback, and include diverse perspectives – in a word, collaborate. This helps to reduce confusion, align expectations, and build trust. By adopting a strategic mindset and collaborating effectively, we convert ambiguity into a concrete plan to achieve our clients’ goals.