Cultivating Answers
I absolutely loved the following interaction between Clara and Charlie Jameson in The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry:
“‘Because I have no answers, and in the absence of answers, I find myself creating some. Tell me you don’t do the same?’ ‘I do. I’ve been creating answers for twenty-five years.’ He smiled; we were in this together—creating answers for unanswerable questions.”
At first when I pondered this interaction I thought of when answers get created when there is a lack of information or clarity. This is a leadership downfall. There can be downsides if answers are created without clear communication or understanding. When clarity is lacking, there’s a risk of misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or providing information that doesn’t fully address the real needs or context. This can lead to confusion, frustration, or even unintended consequences if the responses are acted upon without proper context.
Conversely, when I considered the context of this conversation in the novel I realized it is also an opportunity. When faced with uncertainty or ambiguity, it encourages us to ask more questions, seek clarification, and collaborate to refine the ideas. Embracing humility and openness helps ensure that we remain receptive to feedback and willing to adjust our approach, ultimately leading to more thoughtful and effective solutions. So, while the creation of answers without clarity has potential pitfalls, it also opens the door for deeper dialogue and growth.
While I firmly believe in providing clarity to make sure that wrong answers are not created, I am also taking away from this reflection that embracing uncertainty and acknowledging the limits of our knowledge can foster creativity, humility, and openness. When answers are elusive, it presents an opportunity to explore new ideas, collaborate more deeply, and innovate without being constrained by the need for complete certainty. It encourages a mindset of adaptability and curiosity, understanding that sometimes, imagining solutions or creating pathways is an essential part of progress.
Byron's Babbles 
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