Managing workplace ambiguity

At times, having to work through ambiguity in the workplace is inevitable. From handling tasks with incomplete or poor directions to structural changes at the workplace, at one point or another you will face ambiguity and uncertainty at work with no option to pass things onto someone else. Although experiencing ambiguity can be anxiety-provoking, effectively dealing with ambiguity is an important skill to have. Here are some useful strategies to manage workplace ambiguity:  

 

1. Learn to let go of your desire to control

Most of us like to think that we can make a powerful change in the challenges presented to us. However anxiety and stress can often result when you are dealing with ambiguous situations that you feel the need to be in control of, or that you feel should be done an exact way. In order to deal with ambiguity effectively, you need to be comfortable with uncertainty and suppress your need to control the situation. To do this, it is important to identify what you can and cannot control or influence, and accept and be comfortable with what is beyond your control. Ask yourself "can I change the way this process is right now?" If not, then stress has no value for you.

2. Learn to make decisions without having all the facts

 Unfortunately, in ambiguous situations, you will often receive insufficient information required to make assured decisions. Don’t wait around until you receive every bit of information to take action; it may never arrive. This is where people who are 'risk averse' often struggle to try things out or take a chance when time is an issue, try to limit yourself to definite pieces of information you absolutely need.

3. Be flexible

 Ambiguous situations can go hand in hand with constant and unforeseen changes, so a willingness to adapt to these changes and incorporating them into your decisions can ease the anxiety and stress. If you are in the planning phase of a project or update, make sure that there is a contingency to follow and each step only contains general objectives, not direct pathways that may be altered easily.

4. Be confident in your abilities 

A great way to reduce ambiguity and handle uncertainty is by having confidence in your abilities and how you respond to things you cannot control. Those who are confident ask for assistance, are not afraid to be wrong and hold themselves accountable for their mistakes. Having these characteristics will assist you in adapting and responding to ambiguity and uncertainty.

5. Communicate and clarify 

When facing ambiguity, communicating with those involved in the situation can be very useful in clarifying the situation. Ask for clarification or feedback. Make sure that updates are frequent and everyone is on the same page.

6. Develop and expand your network

 Having a large network of professional contacts can prove useful for support and information sharing, which can be helpful in facing ambiguous work situations. To make the most of networking opportunities, attend conferences and seminars to connect with people from different businesses, or join professional organisations outside of the workplace.

7. Effectively manage stress

 Stress may be experienced when faced with ambiguous tasks. It is worthwhile to find coping techniques to manage this stress, especially since there is greater chance for you to deal with problems and challenges efficiently when stress is under control.

Hopefully these techniques will help you overcome unnecessary stress or anxiety and even get through certain tasks or changes more effectively!