A Tolerance For Ambiguity

Ambiguity comes in several forms in the workplace and in this post, we will highlight the three (3) most common types of ambiguity.

Any exceptional leader will tell you that it is ambiguity that begets all conflict. Really think about that for a moment, isn't that a powerful statement? If leaders simply focused on clarity, their team would have less conflict.

For many leaders, that I have worked with over the years, when I explained and detailed this fact out for them, this one fact became that "ah-ha" in their understanding about all conflict in the workplace and specifically, that which was happening on their team.

Consider this, here are the three basic types of ambiguity that can absolutely derail any team:

1. GOALS – the most common ambiguous fact is a lack of alignment with goals or lack of clarity with where things are going that cause people to work against each other.

2. ROLES – when people do not have a clear understanding of who is doing what, and where the boundaries between roles are, it leads to conflict.

3. PROCEDURES – this is a complete lack of agreement as to how the work gets done.

"Clearing up ambiguity in the workplace is driven through effective communication from the top down."

Well, it is true. In order to move the team forward more efficiently and effectively, leaders, from the top down, must get crystal clear on what is expected. Let's explain it in these terms:

1. What do you want to create?

2. What is each person’s role in making this creation a reality?

3. How is the entire team going to proceed ... and, ultimately get there?

Those questions will drive many more professional conversations, prevent conflict, and move the team forward a more productive manner.

The powerful key that every leader holds is to simply get crystal clear on expectations around these three main forms of ambiguity: GOALS, ROLES and PROCEDURES. That's a solid first step to preventing conflict in the workplace with teams.

Nearly ALL business-related conflict issues arise from a lack of direction with the goals and procedures to get there as well as clearly defined roles that get the entire team there - together.

When employees experience ambiguity, they are often working in a job whereby they feel uncertain about the future and, what's worse, their daily approach to the work at hand is with tremendous indifference. In other words, it's just another day for them with Mister "Jay O. Bee."

• If you are a leader of people, you, too, hold this powerful key. Ensure that those relying on you clearly understand their goals, their roles and the established procedures to achieve set goals.

• If you are an employee seeking clarity, ask your leader for some of their time and ask for that clarity. Bottom Line: Both of you will be much happier that you did. 🌈