How to Manage the Unknown

 

The podcast episode of this post is available on Sounder, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify.

When you are short of time, here is the one action that will give you 80 percent results in 20 percent of the time.

 DO THIS

Identify the information needed to understand the situation.

BY DOING THIS

–         List the information you already know.

 –        List the information you need to know.

–         Identify sources of expertise (internal and external) for what you need to know.

People struggle with unknown situations. These events are challenging because we can’t rely on our experience to guide our thoughts, actions or behaviors; we don’t know what to do.

The best approach is to make the unknown known by taking stock of what you know and don’t know. Creating lists for each forms a clearer picture that often looks like something you’ve seen in the past.

Start by listing what you know and what you need to know to understand the situation. Next, identify sources for the information you need to find out, including internal and external resources. Often, people in your circle have experienced similar challenges, and will have views on details and potential solutions. You now have the beginnings of an action plan to follow.

KNOWLEDGE BITES

AUDIENCE PROFILE TOOL: What are my audience's communication preferences?

SUCCESS TIP

Sharing a draft plan is the quickest way to identify more information sources—including those whom you share it with.