Confusion and Uncertainty

Confusion and uncertainty usually get a pretty bad press. Few people in the business world – or life generally – want to confess to such a state of mind.

You can see their point. Confusion makes decision making a nightmare. Uncertainty in a leader can lead to mutiny in the ranks. In the performance arena confusion leaves an audience bewildered. In the Tour de France it can lead to spectacular crashes as riders become tentative and hit the brakes on a downhill run.

All right. So we don’t like the state of confusion. And we certainly don’t want to be up at the pointy end of things needing to take decisive action while in this state. This said, is there any reason to see confusion and uncertainty as positive?

Of course you know I’m going to say there is. 

The reason is simple: confusion and uncertainty allow us to engage the mind at its creative and flexible best. The wonderful plasticity of the brain can be used to its full extent, creating new neural pathways. Confusion and uncertainty are like the greenhouse that allows our vegetable seeds to germinate even in the depths of winter. 

Wonderful stuff.

Confusion and uncertainty are the playground of the coach and therapist alike. A good coach helps the client ride the wave of uncertainty and doubt, surfing skillfully for the ultimate ride, building resilience and skill in the process.

Coaches and therapists know that asking questions rather than giving answers adds to this creative confusion. Supplying answers shuts the process down.

Most of us want clarity and certainty. We want to be able to make decisions and lead.  At some point we need to be able to act on our plans. If we try to shortcut the process by avoiding the discomfort that confusion brings, we lose an opportunity for growth and make decisions we may find difficult to live with.

So let’s celebrate confusion! Let’s welcome uncertainty. At least until our minds have taken the lessons and realized more of their potential.