banner

Extreme Uncertainty

“Conditions of Extreme Uncertainty” The Founders | TechStars Boulder | Episode 9 from TechStars on Vimeo.

Extreme uncertainty is exactly what makes start-ups hard and fun and exciting.

We live in a world that craves predictability, we want and need to know what is coming next. No matter what it is, we want it to be predictable; earthquakes, Wall Street, the weather, whatever.

Maybe that’s why few people have what it takes to start a company.

We’ve been programed to demand certainty and predictability. The problem is nothing is predictable, it’s all a mirage. Wall Street crashes unexpectedly, earthquakes happen when we least expect them, the weather is rarely what we want it to be.

It makes me wonder what more could we accomplish if we weren’t so dependent on predictability and certainty.

I guess we could start by asking entrepreneurs.

———————

This is a good Techstars video about the challenge of “extreme uncertainty” and how this years start-ups are addressing it. I have a “cameo” in the video. Autographs provided upon request. ;)

  • Ellenkeenan

    Can I be first in line?

  • Jim Southwell

    Sunglasses on forehead – Check
    Snappy Polo – Check
    iPad on table – Check

    Yes, Keenan was in the house!

    I would bet that as you talk to those entrepreneurs, you'll find that they are able to operate despite high levels of anxiety. Whereas most people look for stability when anxious. I would also bet they have very high confidence in themselves, so they trust that they will be able to overcome whatever would create anxiety in another individual.

  • http://asalesguy.com Keenan

    Absolutely!

  • http://asalesguy.com Keenan

    Yup, entrepreneurs have to be comfortable operating in environments of high anxiety where most see stability. Great point.

    Not sure they have high confidence in themselves as much as they have high confidence in their idea. I believe they have just as many insecurities as everyone else. It's the faith in the idea that allows them to overcome the insecurities.