Yin-yang thinking – A solution to dealing with unknown unknowns?

Yin-yang thinking – A solution to dealing with unknown unknowns?

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, organizations are constantly faced with uncertainties and unknowns. Western thinking tends to favor strategic planning based on linear extrapolation of past events, with a focus on risk management to protect the business. However, when it comes to dealing with unknown unknowns, this approach may fall short. This is where the concept of yin-yang thinking, derived from Chinese cosmology and worldview, can provide valuable insights.

Yin-yang thinking is characterized by a non-linear worldview, where change is seen as the only constant. It emphasizes the co-existence and balance of opposing elements, rather than exclusion. This stands in contrast to the Western "either/or" thinking. For example, in modern approaches to organizations, agility is often advocated as a way to cope with complexity. However, agility alone may not be enough. It needs to be balanced with slowness and stability. Yin-yang thinking reminds us that opposing elements can coexist and work together harmoniously.

Another aspect of yin-yang thinking is its process-orientation. In Eastern thinking, changes in a planning process are not seen as a contradiction. Long-term opportunities can be compatible with constant adaptation. Plans are not seen as fixed and final, but rather as constantly interacting with the situation, context, and time. This interactive refinement is often difficult for Westerners, who prefer strict project planning and implementation. By embracing a more fluid and adaptable approach, organizations can better navigate the uncertainties of the unknown unknowns.

One of the key insights from yin-yang thinking is the acceptance of uncertainty as natural and uncontrollable. Westerners tend to view ambiguity as negative and seek to eliminate it through rational planning and risk scenarios. However, this can be a misleading exercise, as uncertainty cannot be fully known or controlled. Eastern thinking, on the other hand, embraces ambiguity as desirable. They understand that uncertainty and certainty are transitory, alternating phases. This allows them to approach unknown unknowns with a more relaxed, realistic, and creative mindset.

So, how can organizations incorporate yin-yang thinking into their approach to dealing with unknown unknowns? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the co-existence and balance of opposing elements: When faced with uncertainty, consider how different elements can complement each other rather than excluding one another. Balance agility with stability, speed with slowness, and adaptability with consistency.

2. Adopt a process-oriented mindset: Recognize that plans are not set in stone, but rather need to constantly interact with the changing circumstances. Be open to refining and adapting the plan as new information emerges.

3. Accept uncertainty as natural and uncontrollable: Rather than trying to eliminate uncertainty, learn to embrace it as part of the journey. Understand that uncertainty and certainty are transient phases, and that it is impossible to fully control or predict the future. Instead, focus on building resilience and flexibility to navigate the unknowns.

In conclusion, yin-yang thinking offers a valuable perspective on dealing with unknown unknowns. By embracing the co-existence and balance of opposing elements, adopting a process-oriented mindset, and accepting uncertainty as natural, organizations can better navigate the complexities of an uncertain world. Incorporating these principles into strategic planning and decision-making can lead to a more relaxed, realistic, and creative approach to unknown unknowns. So, let us embrace the wisdom of yin-yang thinking and unlock new possibilities in an ever-changing world.