I don’t know how to surf.
But as a metaphor for adaptability and responding in uncertainty rather than waiting for calm seas — that I do know something about.
I’ve recently been upgrading my adaptability intelligence coaching through AQai. We’ve been talking about Change Uncertainty (Cu) as a dimension of adaptability, and why it matters. It’s exciting because it is so very relevant.
Change Uncertainty is the level of anxiety you feel when things are shifting.
And it’s more than a feeling. High Cu can be a leading indicator of dips in performance. Here are some of the ways it shows up:
- We make decisions more slowly at times when greater agility is required.
- We oversimplify issues in the face of complexity.
- We have a lower tolerance for risk at times when we need to be open to experimentation.
- We experience more strain at work.
- We struggle to respond calmly.
I can almost hear many of you saying, “Yeah, no kidding.”
But some people have low Cu. They thrive in uncertainty and seem to have no trouble maintaining their balance on their surfboard in very choppy seas. But they can leave nervous surfers on the shore rather than inviting them to join in the fun.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to measure Change Uncertainty and how to improve your capacity to make wise decisions amid uncertain times, I’d love to hear from you.
