Leading in Ambiguity

“What’s stopping the next wave of innovation? Don’t limit your analysis to just the tech or the firm’s strategy. Success in the connected age also depends on a rare psychological capacity: the ability to wrangle—and label—those big emotions that cloud our sense-seeking brains when we face complexity, uncertainty, and the unknown. Elster and Christensen provide a world-wise framework for leaders dealing with those unsettling encounters with ambiguity when ‘wetware’ (humans with all our foibles) meets ‘hardware’ (disruptive technologies and the demise of the status quo).” —Frank Jurden, Executive Director, Global Advisory, VMLY&R

“Are you a human living in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world? Read this book! Katrin and Tamara not only help us better understand what ambiguity is and is not—they lay out a framework to navigate ambiguity and build our ambiguity capacity. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.” —Cary Lopez, Director of Strategic Initiatives, University Design Institute, Arizona State University

“This book could be your hitchhiker’s guide to ambiguity. Read it—you will rethink your situation and that of your team and enhance your ability to develop and realize new possibilities. By showing us how to experience ambiguity as a gift—not a threat—this book makes our personal and business challenges more satisfying.” —Eberhard Haug, CISO, DB Schenker Logistics

“There are hundreds of books about change management, innovation, and the VUCA world—is there really a need for another one covering this topic under yet another headline? Yes, there is! Katrin and Tamara explore the wild VUCA world we are all trying to cope with—on a personal or professional level—from a new angle: ambiguity. Their people-centered, compassionate, and co-creative approach to ambiguity is full of practical examples, easy-to-use tools, and personal experience. If you want to know how to become aware of, assess, and activate ambiguity as a leader, this is your ultimate guide.” —Prof. Dr. Patricia Adam, Professor of International Management, University of Applied Sciences & Arts Hannover

“The topics and theme of Leading in Ambiguity are incredibly timely and well suited for the challenges we are all facing at home, at work, and in our communities. We can’t predict or control the future, and that can be terrifying or liberating, depending on how we react. This book is a call to action for those with an optimistic spirit, open mind, and open heart who are ready to act. I found this book to be incredibly comforting, encouraging, and inspiring and would highly recommend it to anyone unable to predict the future.” —Matthew Zabel, Design Director, 3M

“This book is a must-read for professionals navigating complexity and ambiguity in an ever more interconnected global workplace. Katrin and Tamara provide a Swiss Army–style set of tools for understanding and operationalizing ambiguity. I would strongly recommend it to other colleagues across international education working day in and day out to lead projects through complex systems, stakeholders, and various needs. You will find your answers here!” —Edward Stevenette, Education Programme Manager, Learning Planet Institute

“Leading in Ambiguity will inspire you to embark on a journey that is open to the possibilities that come from welcoming ambiguity and uncertainty with an open heart and a curious mind: ‘Amid the chaos hides the cure’! This book is mind-expanding for those who are currently ‘afraid’ of ambiguity as well as for those who flourish in it. I am highly impressed and grateful to the authors for sharing their vision, knowledge, experience, and learnings.” —Beatrice Perri, People Innovation, Enel

“This wonderful little book delivers potential beyond its weight in paper or silicon. The ideas and insights Katrin and Tamara offer are easy to apply and will serve you well as you begin to find ambiguity everywhere after reading it—which is a good thing, since you’ll see potential opportunities everywhere too.” —Dr. Bruce Scharlau, Senior Lecturer of Computing Science, University of Aberdeen

“A must-read! Again and again, Leading in Ambiguity delivers a jolt to the synapses and a dose of inspiration for design and leadership—from one chapter to the next. I look forward to the training sessions.” —Bjarne Krause, Colonel (General Staff) and Head of Management Division, Bundeswehr Command and Staff College Hamburg

“A book of astute insights on management during uncertainty and upheaval . . . Christensen and Elster approach a topic that some readers may find frightening with a welcoming, engaging tone.” —Kirkus Reviews 

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