Mindset in Times of Uncertainty

The market continues to behave in uncertain and unpredictable ways testing our nerves and our optimism. Leaning into this uncertainty with a growth mindset might help you cope. What seem like challenges become opportunities. All it takes is a news lens with which to view the world.

What exactly is a growth mindset? According to the Mindset Theory developed by Dr. Carol Dweck, there exists “fixed” and “growth” mindsets, which have an impact on intelligence, learning and development. The “fixed” mindset views intelligence as predetermined by nature and therefore, unmalleable. The “growth” mindset perceives intelligence as a supple trait that can be developed over time. The central idea is that success is a product of your underlying outlook on life: if you believe you can improve your skills and capabilities, challenges and setbacks can be seen as opportunities that can pave the way for greater achievement.

Leading in times of volatility takes courage. Below are six tips taken from the Harvard Business Review’s “Leading through Uncertainty” framework for shifting your perspective:

1. Embrace the discomfort of not knowing. Move from a know-it-all to a learn-it-all mindset. You don’t need to have all the answers.

2. Distinguish between "complicated" and "complex" issues. They require different solutions.

3. Let go of perfectionism. Instead, aim for progress, expect mistakes, and recognize that you have the ability to continually course correct as needed.

4. Resist the urge to oversimplify and come to quick conclusions. Take a disciplined approach to understanding both the complexity of the situation and your own biases.

5. Don’t go it alone. Connect with your peers who have their own set of experiences and perspectives to draw from.

6. Zoom out. Taking a broad, systemic view of the issues at hand can reveal unexamined assumptions that would otherwise be invisible.

Read HBR’s full article: "6 Strategies for Leading Through Uncertainty."