Embracing Uncertainty: The Key to Innovation

In this podcast episode, Vaughn Tan explores the concept of embracing uncertainty as a crucial factor in driving innovation. Through his research on culinary R&D teams, Tan discovered that these teams openly acknowledged their lack of knowledge and were comfortable with not knowing the outcome. He also found that discomfort can be productive when it comes to pushing beyond one's comfort zone and fostering growth. Tan discusses the importance of distinguishing between uncertainty work and certainty work within organizations and highlights the need for both approaches depending on the nature of the work being done. He emphasizes the significance of understanding when uncertainty management techniques are appropriate and when a more conventional approach is needed.