Ambiguity is a silent killer. It kills ideas, aspirations and projects.
Too many choices are a source of ambiguity.
Jargon, complexity and muddled thinking are a source of ambiguity.
The need to lay down all the steps to reach the goal is a source of ambiguity.
The default response to ambiguity is to stop the forward motion and saying “I need more time” or “I need more information” or some variation of that. Perhaps that is the right mindset in a few situations, but a vast majority of ambiguous situations require us to “Keep Buggering On”.
In Europe’s entire history, world war 2 was probably the most uncertain and ambiguous situation for Britain where it’s survival was far from certain. Winston Churchill had to make daily decisions in the face of extreme ambiguity and unknowns. Faced with an unprecedented situation, Churchill’s motto that served him and Britain well was K.B.O – keep Buggering On!. This profoundly simple response is often the best way to fight ambiguity. Take that next step, follow it up with the next tiny step, and so on. Keep buggering on.
