Ambiguity Rules
Someone who is able to deal with ambiguity can effectively cope with change, shift gears comfortably, decide and act without having the total picture, and handle risk and uncertainty. Those with a strong ability to deal with ambiguity are often described as adaptable, flexible, and comfortable with uncertainty. This exercise plays on the concept that we all deal with ambiguity – in the organization, with our work, with our colleagues.
How does it work? Participants have to find a hidden word in an ambiguously worded problem statement. As an exercise, it helps participants explore how ambiguity can stimulate imagination – and how it can defeat others as well. All you’ll need is a flip chart, a paper and pencil for each participant, and about 10 minutes to execute the exercise.
To set it up, write the following sequence of letters on a flip chart –
OSRIAXLENTGTERES
Ask participants to write down the sequence and cross out six letters so that the remaining letters, without their sequence being altered, spell a familiar word.
The problem statement is ambiguous and there may be some other creative answers.
Explore how participants approached the problem and examine how ambiguity can stimulate creative thoughts.
The solution presented here removed SIX LETTERS.
And the answer in this exercise is ORANGE.
Here illustrated – OSRIAXLENTGTERES
You can hide your own special word as a clue to another problem or a lead in to a lecture on ambiguity or dealing with confusing instructions.
Having the ability to take action without having each and every detail is a key component in dealing with ambiguity. When presented with a situation or problem to solve, it is rare that we are given all of the details up front; thus, it is crucial to avoid becoming paralyzed by the lack of detail or information. We could potentially be waiting for a piece of information that may never come. Having a strong understanding of how to deal with ambiguity truly is the new business imperative and it’s time that we all hop on board.
