The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown

by Nathan Furr, Susannah Harmon Furr (With)

Overview

A science-backed guide for navigating and thriving through uncertainty—based on interviews and insights from world-renowned leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives.

Whether you're searching for courage to start a new project, change careers, launch a business, develop an idea, or reinvent yourself after a disappointment or life change, you will face uncertainty—that ambiguous and uncomfortable state that often makes us feel confused, anxious, and afraid to act. Though these moments are difficult, they offer opportunities for personal growth, innovation, and creativity.

In The Upside of Uncertainty, INSEAD professor Nathan Furr and entrepreneur Susannah Harmon Furr provide a sweeping guide to embracing uncertainty and transforming it into a force for good. Drawing from hundreds of interviews, along with pioneering research in psychology, innovation, and behavioral economics, Nathan and Susannah provide dozens of tools—including mental models, techniques, and reflections—for seeing the upside of uncertainty, developing a vision for what to do next, and opening ourselves up to new possibilities.

In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, uncertainty is on the rise. We face it every day. But few of us have been taught the techniques to navigate it well. The Upside of Uncertainty provides the inspiration, tools, and strategies you need to thrive through the inevitable plot twists in your life and career.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781647823016
Publisher:	Harvard Business Review Press
Publication date:	07/19/2022
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	444,847
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.40(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Nathan Furr is a professor of strategy and innovation at INSEAD in Paris and a recognized expert in the fields of innovation and technology strategy. His bestselling books include The Innovator's Method, Leading Transformation, and Innovation Capital. He works with leading companies such as Google, Microsoft, Citi, ING, Philips, Solvay, and others. He is also the father of four children.

Susannah Harmon Furr is an entrepreneur, designer, art historian, and contrarian. She founded a women's clothing line and is currently cultivating a biointensive garden as part of a larger hope accelerator in Normandy. She is the mother of the same four children as Nathan.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Introduction: Unlocking the Upside of Uncertainty 1

Section 1 Reframe

1 Refraining 15

2 Reverse Insurance 21

3 Frontiers 27

4 Adjacent Possible 33

5 Infinite Game 41

6 Stories 49

7 Regret Minimization 57

8 Aplomb (Doubting Self-Doubt) 63

9 Uncertainty Manifesto 69

Section 2 Prime

10 Know Your Risks 81

11 Personal Real Options 89

12 Uncertainty Balancers 97

13 Dumbo Feathers 103

14 Runways and Landing Strips 109

15 Reimagining Resources 115

16 Fait Sur Mesure 121

17 Don't Force Machinery 129

Section 3 Do

18 Activate and Unlock 141

19 Values versus Goals 149

20 Cognitive Flexibility 155

21 Learning in Fog 161

22 10,000 Shots 169

23 Bricolage 175

24 Small Steps 183

25 Pivot 193

Section 4 Sustain

26 Emotional Hygiene 205

27 Reality Check 225

28 Magic 251

Conclusion: Uncertainty, Courage, and Magic 273

Notes 279

Index 297

About the Authors 309

Editorial Reviews

"This is a powerful book, and one that you could return to time and again. It will help you to not only face uncertainty, but thrive because of it. If there is one book you read this year, make it this one." — The Institute of Leadership and Management, Edge magazine

Named one of the 10 Best Business Books of 2022 by Forbes

"The Upside of Uncertainty delivers helpful takeaways and, perhaps most important, offers anyone struggling with a murky future the courage to persevere." – strategy+business

"It is a must-read for any individual looking to increase their confidence and their ability to take risks and ultimately live a more fulfilled life." — TD Magazine (Association for Talent Development)

"Based on both research and interviews, the book provides a practical framework that can be applied to help us find the possibilities from uncertainty and act on them." — Financial Times

"The book is fundamentally upbeat about finding possibility in uncertainty and learning to deal with it rather than trying to control it." — Irish Times

"The level of uncertainty we are all living through can feel debilitating. Nathan Furr and Suzanna Harmon Furr help us navigate it all by helping us understand that there are opportunities inherent in it, and giving us tools and strategies for opening ourselves up to and creating them." — Porchlight Books

"…a sophisticated yet accessible guide to turning uncertainty into a force for creativity, positive action and good." — Developing Leaders

Advance Praise for The Upside of Uncertainty:

"The Upside of Uncertainty is packed with insights into how we make life's most important decisions. It will most certainly change the trajectory of your career. It may even change your life." — Erin Meyer, professor, INSEAD; New York Times–bestselling coauthor, No Rules Rules

"Uncertainty is the very lifeblood of entrepreneurship. Great entrepreneurs not only cope with that uncertainty, they thrive in it. The Upside of Uncertainty should be required reading for anyone getting ready to dive into the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship." — David Hornik, founding partner, Lobby Capital

"The Upside of Uncertainty beautifully demonstrates that uncertainty is the essence of life—an engine that drives us forward and that leads to opportunities. Nothing could be more important!" — Tina Seelig, Executive Director, Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program; Professor of the Practice, Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University

"The Upside of Uncertainty is a vigorously optimistic book!" — Piet Coelewij, Chairman, PMM Public Mediamarkt; Nonexecutive Director, Sonion; and guest lecturer, INSEAD

"The next generation of great leaders must learn to embrace uncertainty and leverage it for themselves and their organizations. The Upside of Uncertainty shows them the way." — Sam Yagan, Managing Director, Corazon Capital; cofounder, SparkNotes and OkCupid; and former CEO, Match.com

"Having worked with world leaders, it is clear to me that mastery in the face of uncertainty separates the good from the great. The Upside of Uncertainty is required for all who aspire to make an impact in today's world." — Saj-nicole Joni, CEO, Cambridge International Group

"Uncertainty is here to stay. The Upside of Uncertainty will help you learn to take advantage of it instead of fear it." — Alex Osterwalder, cofounder, Strategyzer

From the Publisher