Have you heard of ambiguity tolerance? It’s a psychological trait that can be measured and developed. Here are six tips we can all use to boost our own levels – me included!
So, what it it?
Ambiguity tolerance is the ability to perceive uncertainties, contradictory issues, and vague information in a neutral and open way (McLain, 2015)
Recently, there has also been discussion about a related concept – uncertainty avoidance – which is the measure of a culture’s (or an individual’s) discomfort with uncertainty and ambiguity (Curt Steinhorst, 2021).
Studies show that some people generally have higher ambiguity tolerance than others, but anyone can develop how they respond to ambiguity and uncertainty. Here are six practical tips to get you started:
- Acknowledge and accept uncertainty: It’s okay to be anxious sometimes. Recognise that complete certainty is always out of reach and striving for it feeds the relentless cycle of anxiety and worry.
- Shift from a “know it all” to a “learn it all” mindset. It can be liberating not having to know everything all the time. Get curious, be open to new possibilities and opportunities.
- Sources of ambiguity can come from many directions: you, others, your social system, organisation, media etc. Take a moment to consider whether the ambiguity anxiety is yours or whether you are absorbing someone else’s.
- Cultivate connections with peers, friends, colleagues. Humans are wired for connection and our hormones reward successful social interactions. You will also expand your sources of insight and perspective exponentially.
- Improvise: Just like in improv comedy. Learn to accept the reality as it unfolds and add to it as it is, not as you want it to be.
- Practice self-compassion and mindfulness. Being kind to yourself and staying present can help you cope with uncertainty. Humans are predicting machines but worrying can also mean you suffer twice.
If you’d like to learn more:
– check out the Hemsley Fraser insight paper on connectedness:
https://www.hemsleyfraser.com/en-gb/insights/power-human-connectedness-uncertain-world
– there are also several HBR, Forbes, and academic articles on ambiguity tolerance
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