In the business world, I’ve noticed that many leaders want to have all the answers – the unknown can make them quite uncomfortable. This is understandable. I experienced the desire to know everything and the worry about mystery.
But over the years, I’ve learned that doubt and mystery have a place in business. The combination of doubt and mystery can facilitate curiosity, open-mindedness and, ultimately, more effective leadership. Here are six ways I believe embracing doubt and mystery in business can benefit us.
1. Increases curiosity
The reality is that no one knows everything. People who think they do can become short-sighted and uncurious. On the other hand, people who are comfortable admitting that they don’t know all the answers are more likely to want to learn the answers.
Suspicion and mystery can fuel curiosity, which is a powerful force in business. Consider the research of behavioral scientist Francesca Gino. In one Harvard Busness Review article, she explained that her research “revealed that curiosity encourages group members to put themselves in each other’s shoes and take an interest in each other’s ideas rather than focusing solely on their own perspective.” In turn, this makes “them work together more effectively and seamlessly.”
2. Builds resilience
In business, it’s important to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Geopolitical events, economic downturns and technological disruptions are just three factors that can wreak havoc and discomfort on business.
By embracing doubt and mystery, we can build our resilience to the many uncertainties that can affect our companies at any given time. Nicole Whiting, a clinically trained (e)Motion coach, listed on Psychology today that when we relinquish control, it “reduces stress and anxiety, increasing resilience and adaptability with a growth mindset.” What’s more, according to the research, “personal growth often requires experiencing discomfort”—and “seeking discomfort as a signal of growth can increase motivation.”
3. It helps us live in the present moment
I believe that by embracing doubt and mystery, we can reduce our anxiety about the future – because we will have accepted that there are some things out of our control. On the other hand, we can live in the present moment.
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As psychotherapist Jennifer Gerlach wrote The psychologisty todaywe “approach the unknown whether we like it or not”. However, “moving toward something intentionally with our values in mind and realizing that what we hope for may or may not happen allows us to deal effectively with whatever happens.” Personally, when I embrace uncertainty, I worry less about what happens in the future.
4. It makes us more adaptable
If you’ve ever stuck to a plan, you’ve probably had a hard time pivoting when things didn’t work out the way you planned.
Uncertainty is a part of life. When we become comfortable with doubt and mystery, I believe we become more adaptable because we know from the beginning of an endeavor that no matter how hard we try, we cannot accurately predict the outcome, and we become more willing to make decisions that lead us in a direction of young. Consider part of a book review by journalist Maggie Jackson, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Uncertain at the University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine: “When we can let go of certainties, look beyond what we already know, stay curious and listen to dissent, we can often find better solutions to the problems we face.”
5. It increases our sensitivity
In my opinion, when we accept doubt and mystery in our lives, we become more curious and willing to learn about other people, which can increase our sensitivity. And when we learn about other people, we are able to understand that just as we don’t have all the answers and full control, neither does anyone else.
Executive coach Peter Bregman explained in HarvorReview of rd Business that curiosity is the answer “that is important and necessary BEFORE empathy” considering that someone else is vulnerable.
6. It makes us more grounded – and inspiring
Doubt and mystery are a fact of life. Embracing them makes us more connected to reality. Furthermore, there is much to be said for a leader who can stand up and admit that he doesn’t know it all, that he has doubts. This is weakness, which, McKinsey explained, “is a sign of strength” when “handled properly.” Vulnerability can go a long way in leadership and ultimately create stronger teams.
