When fear, doubt, crisis, and uncertainty arises, courage is being able to sit in ambiguity. The most effective and compelling leaders, teams and organizations are able to stay focused on the Mission at hand, respond with action, and teach their mindset to navigate ambiguity.
SHOW NOTES
0:49 – Courage is sitting in ambiguity. These words were etched in Jason’s study in 2008 during the Great Recession. Jason shares a story of how he had quit his job at Camp Akita to share a new mission in his life.
3:29 – Jason knew that something was marinading within him and urged him to make a change in his life. Low and behold, the change happened during the 2008 Great Recession; a time of great uncertainty. Many people would give Jason “that look”, the look that says, “you sure you know what you’re doing?”
4:20 – Not knowing what you are doing is completely natural and happens to all of us. Jason didn’t know what exactly he was going to do or how he might do it but he did know that he was going to engage the hearts and minds of people. This culminated in the challenging and daunting task of creating and writing his first book, Step Back from the Baggage Claim
6:04 – At the time, they had no income, Jason left his job to explore this new creative adventure which happened right in the midst of a financial crisis with two kids. It was easy to have thoughts of doubt and uncertainty creep in. He didn’t have the answer for when they would have an income, who will read this book, how is this possible? All of those questions of doubt of ambiguity happens during these difficult times. In the midst of ambiguity, there is also a giant source of opportunity and liberation.
8:40 – In times of uncertainty, it helped Jason to reflect on his journey and simply to get on his hands and knees and pray, for guidance, for gratitude, for reflection. Many listeners may not be people of faith but if you can take a moment to step back and reflect whether it be for meditation, a walk, or whatever it is that connects you and grounds you these are the times to do so. The practice of stepping back and centering yourself back to the purpose of why you are doing what you are doing and what the true mission is that is a return back to that purpose.
9:55 – To create something that is authentic and to be okay with the fact that I don’t have all the answers, I don’t know how this is going to end up. Courage is being able to sit in ambiguity. True courage comes when we are able to actually sit and be okay with that ambiguity.
11:20 – We don’t have all the answers. Even the experts do not have all the answers at this time. This requires us to find moments of pause of meditation and to focus on those people out there who are hurting. The healthcare workers, teachers, essential service workers and more dealing with COVID-19. It is time to reach out with positivity and care for other people. Be that thermostat, to set the temperature that leads us into hope, courage, of care, and of action that moves us forward together.
14:13 – Questions to ponder, step back and ask during these times:
- How do you allow yourself to sit in ambiguity?
- What mindset and actions do you want to lead you during these times?
- What doubts and fears do you need to let go of?
- What are the things you need to take seriously to have in front of you but not let it control your doubt and fear?
- As you sit and breathe, what courage is needed today in your life for your family, your business, and our world?
Courage is sitting in ambiguity
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ABOUT THE THERMOSTAT
Conversations and micro-thoughts to engage your mind and heart.
A thermostat is proactive. It sets the temperature in a room. Controls the temperature. Regulates the temperature. But in today’s distracted, fast-paced and digital world, it’s easy for individuals and organizations to act more like thermometers, slipping into reactionary thinking, becoming scattered and inconsistent. The most compelling leaders, teams, organizations, families or collection of humans of any kind operate in thermostat mode. They calibrate their mind and heart to set the temperature for the vision and culture they want to create. Jason Barger, globally celebrated author, keynote speaker and founder of Step Back Leadership Consulting, is the host of The Thermostat, a podcast journey to discover authentic leadership, create compelling cultures and find clarity of mission, vision, and values.