Tolerating Ambiguity: Leadership Lessons from Off-Road Motorcycling. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arlitsch, Kenning
• Is Part Of: Journal of library administration. Volume 56:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: library administration -- leadership -- Tolerance of Ambiguity -- motorcycling -- organizational development; Library administration -- Periodicals; 025.1
• DOI: 10.1080/01930826.2015.1113063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0193-0826

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The ability to tolerate ambiguity is an important attribute of successful leaders. In this article the metaphor of off-road motorcycling is used to introduce the concept of ambiguity and the virtues of becoming tolerant and comfortable with the uncertainty that has become a hallmark of information age organizations. Tolerance of Ambiguity is a known leadership concept that also extends to employees. Many employees want to be involved earlier in the planning and decision making process of the organization, but may be uncomfortable with the ambiguity characteristic of early stage planning.