How does certainty impact performance?

Think of when you’ve been certain about something and the impact it’s had on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Now think of a time you’ve been uncertain and the crippling effect it’s had.

We can make use of this idea by seeing others through the lens of “certainty”. At work this might look like…

🔸 A leader unwilling to delegate to you.
🔸 A team member missing their potential.
🔸 A toxic colleague seemingly opposing every suggestion.

What if you just labelled them as uncertain? With no other meaning applied.

🔸 Notice how your demeanour towards them changes.
🔸 Notice how you reframe their potential motivations.
🔸 Notice the new ideas that arise for how to move forward.

More often than not, people are not obstructive, lazy, unwilling, inflexible, incapable or belligerent. They’re simply uncertain.