Marcia's Leadership Q and As: Innovators Embrace Uncertainty

Q. Uncertain times make decision-making a challenge. How do we plan?

A. Uncertainty always exists, across centuries, nations, economies. But creative innovators and leaders acknowledge that there will always be variation in life and work. There will always be challenging times. There will always be new problems to solve. There will always be situations that are out of control, but also situations that leaders can influence. 

Innovative leaders assess their environments, internally and externally. But they don’t get stuck in the present. They see challenges, and they also see the possibilities and opportunities. 

Innovators are naturally creative and have a passion to take their ideas to market or to a place where they will serve a new market. They possess a natural courage, and their energy and vision entice followers to help make those visions become a reality. 

It’s essential to assess your challenges, plan, and continually move forward, whether one step or one leap at a time. Impact your future by making the difference for the customers who need you to continually be creative. 

If outside influences like laws or tariffs impact your business, think ahead. How could you be impacted? Adapt and pivot as fast as possible. Prepare as best you can. Ask for help from others who can help you see new potential with your knowledge and skills. Remember during the pandemic; organizations that survived pivoted almost instantaneously because they saw and met a new need.