1. 2.12 Developing a tolerance for ambiguity
Understand techniques, strategies, & systems used to foster self-understanding & enhance relationships with others

2. What is Tolerance?
Tolerance – the capacity to accept deviation from the norm
Being able to accept something or someone who is different than what you consider normal
Respecting that person’s rights and opinions
blog.adw.org

3. What is Ambiguity?
Ambiguity – doubtfulness or uncertainty of meaning or intention
Teacher gives you an assignment but no instructions on how to start or complete
The possibility of interpreting an expression in two or more distinct ways
Your boss always greets you with a smile but today he or she hasn’t even acknowledged you are around
You did something to make them mad with you
They are having a bad day
Something happened before you got to work to upset them

4. What is a Tolerance for Ambiguity?
Entrepreneurs are willing to forge ahead with what they feel is the right direction while dealing with the inner voice telling them they could be wrong
Entrepreneurs have a strong tolerance for ambiguity
The entrepreneurial traits of self-confidence, optimism, and problem solving develop this strong tolerance.
flawlessconfidence.com

5. How Do They Do It? Entrepreneurs develop a tolerance for ambiguity by:
Gathering all information possible
Brainstorming assumptions to close the gaps in information they collected
Keeping those assumptions to themselves
Considering alternate assumptions
Devising a plan for testing their assumptions
Executing their plan

6. Factors Impacting Tolerance for Ambiguity
Nature and upbringing
How much tolerance have you experienced in your life?
Have you been exposed to unfamiliar environments where you had to adapt?
Education
What level of education have you had?
Did your education set defined rules or were you encouraged to “think outside the box?”
Early career experiences
Self-confidence
Higher self-esteem and confidence leads to a higher tolerance
Optimism
Picture from: midwestprogress.org

7. How to Further Develop a Tolerance for Ambiguity
To build up your tolerance for ambiguity remember:
Even in the toughest situation, you can always control your response to a situation. Your reaction is your choice.
Recognizing what you can and can’t control will increase the likelihood of a successful outcome and lower your anxiety
eknazar.com

8. Managing Ambiguity in the Business World
10 principles that provide a rule of thumb for managing ambiguity in the business environment:
Organize your thoughts
Maintain a professional attitude
Refrain from making judgments about others
Keep an open mind
Don’t make assumptions or jump to conclusions
Keep emotions in check
Be slow to take offense
Give others the benefit of the doubt
Keep control of yourself
Ask what your immediate purpose is, what is the scope of the problem, what are the constraints on your response?
jr.tfs.ca