In today’s rapidly changing world, having all the answers from the start is a rare luxury. Success now depends on our ability to move forward despite uncertainty, turning ambiguity into an opportunity for innovation.
Let’s take inspirations from Ms Myriam’s way of handling things. Myriam’s role as a product manager at a multinational company demands that she navigate unclear situations, anticipate trends, and gain stakeholder buy-in—all starting with little more than a vague concept.
When this writer talked to her about it, she said, “I get overwhelmed, I lose sleep, I procrastinate, and then I get stressed out from the pressing and looming asks hanging over my head.”
However, she added that she gets in the flow towards the latter half when she works crazy hours and eventually delivers by the deadline. The good news is that, through our conversation, she realized she has a repeatable process for handling such projects.
Through her experience, Myriam has developed this 5-step method to navigate assignments without clear guidelines. Here’s how you can apply a similar process:
- Gather inspiration: Jot down your initial ideas, talk to relevant people and stakeholders, and research existing products. Keep your mind open and capture ideas as they come. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; inspiration can strike any moment. Whether exercising, commuting, or simply going about your day, use your phone, a sticky note, or any other tool to jot down those thoughts and ideas.
- Do a brain dump: Once you have spent some time in the idea phase and can form a strawman of your initial design, now is the time to trust yourself and capture them in writing. Remember, this is your early draft. This stage is about capturing the raw essence of your thoughts without judgment. Whether you prefer writing, sketching, or typing, focus on getting your ideas down quickly.
- Organize and structure: Once you’ve gathered your thoughts, start organizing them coherently. This might involve creating outlines, headings, or diagrams to see how your ideas connect. Don’t worry about perfection—this is just the framework that will guide your next steps.
- Refine and seek feedback: With a basic structure, it’s time to refine your ideas. This stage is where the project begins to take shape. As you polish your work, share it with trusted colleagues or stakeholders to get their feedback. Collaboration at this stage can provide valuable insights and help you make necessary adjustments.
- Release and iterate: The final step is to release your work, whether a product, a presentation, or a written piece. In an uncertain environment, it’s crucial to let go of perfectionism. Be open to feedback and ready to make iterative improvements based on what you learn after launch.
Take breaks and trust the process
Ambiguity can be mentally taxing, so take ample breaks and allow your mind to reset. Whether it’s a walk in nature, a short nap, or simply stepping away from your work, breaks can help you return with a fresh perspective. Trust that the process, though non-linear, will guide you to a successful outcome.
Final thoughts
In a world full of uncertainties, the ability to embrace ambiguity and move forward is an essential skill. Myriam shows that by following a structured yet flexible process, you can navigate even the vaguest of projects with relative confidence. Gathering inspiration, organizing your thoughts, refining your work, and being open to feedback can turn ambiguity into a source of innovation and progress.
Sharmin Banu, an Executive Coach since 2009, draws on her extensive tech industry background, notably at Microsoft, and coaches senior leaders in Fortune 500 companies and startups. Specializing in emotional intelligence (EQ) and Executive Presence, Sharmin facilitates leadership excellence that drives team productivity. She holds a BS and MS in computer science and is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation. A native of Bangladesh and living in the United States for 26 years, Sharmin infuses her coaching practice with a rich global perspective.
web: https://greenleafcoach.com/
