What is tolerance for uncertainty in the workplace?

Tolerance of uncertainty is the ability to accept and function in conditions where the rules of the game and objectives are uncertain or change rapidly and the outcome of the actions taken is highly uncertain. This is a uniquely variable feature – some accept a high level of uncertainty in life, while others cannot stand even the slightest of its birthmarks.

Tolerance of uncertainty is undoubtedly a competence that distinguishes leaders or entrepreneurs from employees with a passive attitude, ready to follow charismatic leaders.

The last year has been a time of turbulent transformations and changes and incredible events that have surprised many companies and entrepreneurs. The ability to find ourself in a new situation and the ability to react quickly and take action determined the survival of many companies and their employees.

The future of work for many companies has come faster than anyone expected. The old work model is over. New challenges have emerged, such as integrating remote work systems or adapting employees to the necessary changes.

2021 is a time when man is in the spotlight. From a professional point of view, this means that, on the one hand, we are facing a huge digital transformation and, on the other hand, it will be from people and their attitudes, such as openness to change and acceptance of new and unknown situations, that will depend on the success of the company’s ventures.

For those who have not developed a tolerance of uncertainty, any ambivalent, vague or ambiguous situation will be a source of discomfort and anxiety. These, in turn, are an incentive to seek to remove uncertainty from everyday life or to avoid situations that cause it.

In a working environment, this can make it difficult to carry out tasks among people with low tolerance of uncertainty, manifesting themselves as:

  • seeking excessive support from others in the form of comfort, reassem refreshment, affirmation in the belief – this may be, for example, a question of friends, colleagues, superiors for an opinion on the decision to be taken by such a person;
  • drawing up long and detailed checklists as a way to eliminate uncertainty;
  • repeated checking – for example, constant ringing or numerous consultations with subordinates to make sure everything is ok, reading emails several times for errors and typos;
  • refusal to delegate tasks to others – many persons intolerant of uncertainty will not allow other employees to carry out certain tasks, as this does not ensure that the work is done correctly;
  • procrastination/avoidance – because uncertainty causes anxiety, some simply procrastinate or avoid contacts, places and specific situations. They assume that by not taking up an activity, they do not expose themselves to uncertainty;

Meanwhile, uncertainty cannot be completely eliminated from our lives. Action to eliminate it is costly in terms of the time and energy we put into it. Much more effective may be the education of tolerance of uncertainty.

How to develop uncertaintytolerances:

  • Practice openness to new experiences

Do you always go to work or walk the same beaten track? Change your route and focus on new experiences. Do you feel comfortable always ordering the same dish? Take a chance and see how something you haven’t cost yet tastes good. Watch a video that recommends a new person at work, or test the latest social media platform everyone is discussing. A small decision can open up whole new horizons and new possibilities. Take on jobs or tasks that require more openness and flexibility.

  • Develop mental resilience

Stop pitying yourself and focusing on failures. Think of failed projects as an opportunity to learn something about yourself and acquire new skills. Change perspective – instead of seeing yourself as a victim, start seeing a person in control of your life. Practice accepting refusal, it will develop your immunity like nothing else. Ask others questions, don’t be afraid to ask, even when you expect a negative answer— this experience will strengthen you internally.

  • Build relationships

An invaluable resource in a situation of uncertainty is strong relationships with people you can rely on. For example, if you are worried that your workplace is at risk or are afraid for your future for any other reason, benefit from the support of people with whom you have developed deep relationships. Allow others to lift your spirits, to confirm that you can cope in any situation, or to ensure that you are supported in them no matter how your professional situation is handled.

  • Develop patience and exercise control over emotions

Perseverance is a feature of winners. Find your way to master emotions and practice patience. It can be yoga, meditation, breathing techniques or crocheting. Choose something that will be easy for you to start and which will be important and useful to you. Remember that practicing patience is also about grinding the strength of one’s own character.

  • Hope for success

The hope of success makes us want to achieve the goal and we have an optimistic attitude, and this in turn makes it easier to survive difficulties.

Optimism fosters greater flexibility and adaptability to new conditions. The role of optimism and self-belief is enormous, especially in an uncertain professional future. People who act in the belief that they can cope regardless of what happens experience less anxiety and stress, making them more effective in their professional activities.

  • Tolerance of uncertainty and our health

Can the ability to deal with uncertainty or lack thereof affect our health? definitely.  Uncertainty breeds anxiety, frustration and pain.

Source: https://kadry.infor.pl/kadry/hrm/szkolenia_i_rozwoj/5182702,Tolerancja-niepewnosci-w-miejscu-pracy.html

Region Gdański NSZZ „Solidarność”

Projekt otrzymał dofinansowanie z Norwegii poprzez Fundusze Norweskie 2014-2021, w ramach programu „Dialog społeczny – godna praca”.

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