How employees can thrive in a chaotic workplace

From embracing procrastination to more silence, a paradoxical mindset can help one thrive in a 'BANI' world

- Nivedhitha K.S.

The world has become more complex and dynamic, or BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear and Incomprehensible), as American anthropologist Jamais Cascio calls it. Organisations continue to face multiple challenges triggered by various crises such wars, climate change and political upheavals.

These turbulent times push employees into a whirlwind of novel situations, and therefore, it is essential for them to develop specific skill sets so that they can sail through and thrive in ambiguous situations at the workplace.

A paradoxical mindset may help create such dynamism, as it emphasises the need to preserve existing traits and, at the same time, develop traits that are contradictory to the existing ones. It can also lead to better performance and well-being.

How can we practise this paradoxical mindset at the workplace? Here are some suggestions:

A LOUD SILENCE

The world has most often celebrated great oration and loud communication in workplaces. Undeniably, loud communication helps travel the distance and influence other stakeholders. However, silence can be a powerful strategy to make the most of a BANI world. Since the BANI world reflects unpredictability, noise is inherent in the environment, and loud communication may easily be trapped in the chaotic noise. It is important to observe rather than be loud all the time. Silence at appropriate times can help individuals shift the mindset from "the desire to influence" to "the desire to observe and introspect."