When trying to tackle a complex problem, sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by the unknown and frustrated by how long it can take to see change. We also sometimes look for ‘silver bullet’ solutions, leading to leaping to conclusions and reaching for old, familiar solutions for a sense of predictability and control. Instead, we need to dive freely into the grey space by asking big, fundamental questions and exploring new possibilities.
Being in the grey requires us to:
Simmer in uncertainty
It’s natural to crave a sense of predictability and control – yet it’s dangerous to assume we know all we need to know and can see into the future. Instead of fearing the unknown and unpredictable, become familiar and comfortable with it.
Play, test, learn
We must embrace exploration, and surround ourselves with possibilities to ask questions - what better way than through playing, testing and learning continuously.
Step outside our comfort zone
To do this, we can bring in creative thinkers from outside our sector to provoke us with new questions, suggest challenging ideas, and provide new ways of framing old problems. Instead of letting their lack of knowledge in a particular area hold them back, they thrive in the grey by looking at things differently and widening our view on a challenge.
