Living & leading through uncertainty

Living and Leading Through Uncertainty is intended for those who have an interest in: 1. understanding more about leaders’ lived experience of uncertainty; 2. what a capability for uncertainty is and the key components which constitute it; and 3. guidelines for developing leaders’ capability for uncertainty. Likely target audiences for this book are leaders, sponsors of leadership development and leadership coaching in organisations, and executive or leadership coaches. This book has three parts to it. Part A The first chapter clarifies the meaning of experienced uncertainty as a precursor to exploring leaders’ lived experience of uncertainty, that is, their personal uncertainty and challenges in their leadership role during organisational uncertainty. In the second chapter, the notion of a capability for uncertainty is explained, based on an understanding of what capability for uncertainty leaders develop through their lived experience of uncertainty. Part B incorporates five chapters, with each one addressing a key component of a capability of uncertainty. These components are: (1) an acceptance of uncertainty, (2) effective sense-making, (3) learning agility, (4) a sense of positive identity, and (5) relevant leadership practices during organisational uncertainty. In each chapter I give a brief theoretical overview of the component. This is followed with guidelines for leaders who wish to develop that component, so they can become better able to enhance their own overall capability for uncertainty. While these chapters have a self-development focus for leaders, the guidelines contained therein are potentially useful for sponsors of leadership development and leadership coaching in organisations – as well as for executive or leadership coaches interested in developing leaders’ capability for uncertainty. Part C addresses the implications for leadership development in organisations towards developing leaders’ capability for uncertainty more intentionally and explicitly. In particular, the questions of where to target the development of leaders’ capability for uncertainty in organisations, and how, are considered. There is also an emphasis on leadership coaching as one viable option for developing this capability in leaders.