Cocktails with Carl
Dealing Effectively with Uncertainty
As a business owner and leader, it's no secret that the last couple of years have been some of the most difficult I’ve had to manage through. The pandemic created all sorts of problems: scarcity of materials, labor shortages, logistical log jams, delayed orders, and inflation. Now, we have the very real likelihood of a recession to add to the mix. More uncertainty…..yuck! It looks like the frustration is going to linger for a while longer.
For the past couple of weeks I have noticed how easily agitated I am. For me, this usually stems from a feeling of uneasiness and a lack of control. The signs are there. Things just aren’t right and although I cannot always pinpoint anything in particular, I can sense something bad is about to happen.
Then something bad did happen. It started with front page news about our largest customer, their poor performance, and the challenges they would face to dig out of it. A few days later we got the call. They would be canceling a number of orders slated for later in the year. Add to that a slew of other customer problems and I was ready to explode.
When the dust settled and I had some time to reflect, I recognized how poorly I had dealt with this news. I was angry and reacted accordingly, losing my patience, lashing out at others, blaming and criticizing them for entirely unrelated reasons. In the end all I did was transfer my stress to those closest to me, both at home and at work.
So what should I have done instead? Hindsight is 20/20, but below I have listed some things that might help in dealing with the stress of uncertainty.
Tackle a project that you can control from beginning to end
If you are like me, when a situation arises that you have little to no control over, it may help to engage in a project in which you do have control. For example, I like to do my yard work regimen which includes mowing the lawn, trimming, edging, and clean up. I control the entire process; how fast I move through it and the ultimate quality of the work done. It’s the equivalent of cleaning out your closet or rearranging the sock drawer. You don’t need to rely on anyone else to help and you get the satisfaction of checking the box when done. Strangely enough, this can be a very effective way to reduce stress.
Take a walk (or run)
Steve Jobs was famous for his long walks near Apple headquarters in Palo Alto. He did this to clear his mind, think more creatively, problem solve, and reduce stress. The exercise is an added bonus.
Practice Gratitude
There are all sorts of ways to practice gratitude, but the main idea here is to keep things in proper perspective. Your situation is probably not nearly as bad as you think it is. Spend some quiet time alone each day meditating and/or write at least once a week in a gratitude journal, reflecting on those people, places, and things you are most thankful for.
Read
Lose yourself in a book for some time each day. I like to read before I go to bed. It clears my head, calms me down, and prepares me for a good night of sleep. That reduces stress and works much better than scrolling through a social media account on my phone.
Review strategic plans/goals
I have a personal dashboard that lists all my goals and objectives for the year, broken down by quarter. It also lists the books that I have read and other resources that have provided added value (podcasts, articles, etc). When facing uncertainty, I can pull up my dashboard and measure where I am at in relation to my goals. Whether I am perfectly on track or not isn’t the point of the exercise. It’s a reminder that I have agency over myself and there is a written plan in place. I can revel in the fact that I am on schedule or recalibrate if I am not. Either way, I ultimately have control and that lowers my stress level.
Similarly, you can review your annual strategic plan for your business/team as well. Are you on track with your plan? What needs to be recalibrated? How is the market (or your industry) forcing you to adjust? If you can stay out in front then you won’t be forced to react rashly if things go from bad to worse.
As an imperfect human being, there is no guarantee that I will always remember to do these things when faced with the stress of uncertainty. With increased awareness, I can recognize sooner when I am feeling out of control and implement these ideas that work well for me. What works well for you when faced with the stress of uncertainty? How will you avoid the mistake of reacting angrily and transferring your stress to other people?
Good Luck.
Cocktail Recipe: Old Glory
If you are having a party on Independence Day, give this aptly named cocktail a try.
8-10 Blueberries
2 ozs. Vodka
1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz. Simple Syrup
1-2 ozs. Pinot Noir
Muddle the blueberries at the bottom of a double old fashioned glass and fill with ice. In a cocktail shaker add vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice then shake until incorporated and chilled. Strain into the double old fashioned glass with the blueberries. Pour the pinot noir over the back of a spoon to create a red wine float on the top. Enjoy!