It was only recently when reading a clever tweet that I realized the arrival of 2020 provides ample opportunity to quip about perfect vision and how much people in the eye care industry have been looking forward to this specific year. From the various blogs and articles that I have been reading I can also ascertain that many others, including my colleagues in the HR profession, are looking forward to the upcoming 365 days and all the opportunities they will offer. Many of these posts discuss the importance of analytics, conducting appropriate gap analysis and ensuring plans are in place so that organizations and the people within in them can continue to succeed. In summary, we are all being encouraged to strategically plan and prepare. The various writings are stressing the importance of having a clear (dare I say 2020?) vision for the upcoming year.
But what if we don’t? What if, instead, we embrace uncertainty? What if we admit that we do not and cannot know all that lies ahead and look at this as an opportunity to be flexible, adaptable and resilient? What if, in doing so, we set an example for others to emulate?
A friend of mine always reminds me that “you just don’t know”. This is their kind and gentle reminder to me, especially when I am despondent, that I don’t know what lies ahead and cannot get mired down by the certainty I have created in my mind. Words have never rung truer for me as I reflect upon 2019. I could not have anticipated the loss, grief and family sickness I would face. On the opposite side of the coin, I could not have foreseen the great joys of spontaneous family time, the thrills of witnessing colleagues succeed and the immense fulfillment experienced due to the care and compassion I received from unexpected people during difficult times. If nothing else, the past year has taught me that as much as I prepare and think I know what to expect, I really don’t. This reminds me of the famous saying that “life is what happens to us while we are making other plans” (Saunders, 1957).
So while I am not promoting the complete abandonment of planning, analysis and preparation, my challenge to you is rather akin to packing for a trip. Leave some extra room in your luggage for items you may pick up along the way. Leaving space for the unknown, in your metaphorical suitcase, will make life’s journey much easier.
I don’t know what will happen in 2020, I don’t know how I will respond and I don’t know what the outcomes will be. What I do know is that with the support of my family, friends and amazing community of colleagues (both in person and on line) I will continue to learn and grow because of what is presented to me. It is only through letting going of a clear and concise vision for 2020 that I will truly remain open to possibilities and to life’s richest experiences, both professionally and personally.
Melanie Peacock PhD, MBA, CPHR, SHRM-SCP
P.S. To hear more about why certainty kills creativity check out my Disrupt YYC talk: Cultivating Confusion. HR’s Strategic Role in Promoting Uncertainty
References:
Saunders, A. (1957). Quote investigator. Retrieved from https://quoteinvestigator.com/2012/05/06/other-plans/