The Illusion of Certainty: Why We Crave Scripts in Uncertain Times

Every day brings another wave of change. Political upheaval, economic shifts, technological disruption—it's exhausting to keep up. The past few years have left many of us seeking solid ground in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable.

In this swirl of uncertainty, I attended two conferences last week that revealed something important about how we're responding to change. At MIT's Women in AI conference, leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers explored possibilities. The focus was clear: What could AI teach us about ourselves and each other? How could it help us move forward?

Days later, I sat with experienced HR leaders who brought decades of workplace knowledge to the table. Here, the conversation shifted. AI wasn't feared, but it needed to be managed, made less disruptive.

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

The Hidden Question Behind Our Response

The unspoken question wasn't about technology at all. It was about control: How do we stay grounded when everything keeps changing?

This tension became clear when someone praised an executive coach for encouraging their leadership team to use AI as a filter—to "say the right thing" in meetings. It sounds practical. But this approach undermines what leadership actually needs today: real judgment, presence, and the ability to handle complexity without a script.

The Deeper Pattern: Seeking Certainty in Uncertainty

This reflects a pattern I see everywhere. Leaders and professionals want certainty in uncertain times:

"I just need to know what to say." "What's the best way to frame this?" "Can you give me a template?"

Scripts can provide structure. But when uncertainty is the real challenge, scripts can't solve it. Words don't regulate us. They might feel comforting, but they don't build what we actually need: the ability to read situations, adapt quickly, and make solid decisions under pressure.

Beyond Scripts: Creating Space for Learning

When we rely too heavily on scripts, we miss opportunities for growth. Instead of seeking perfect answers, what if we saw new tools as partners in exploration—ones that could support both our emotional regulation and creative thinking?

Some organizations already take this approach. They use technology to expand thinking and challenge assumptions. Others try to make it predictable and controlled. But in doing so, they miss the chance to develop the skills that uncertainty demands.

Moving Forward Through Uncertainty

Uncertainty isn't going away. It's increasing. So here's the question: Instead of reaching for scripts, what if we built the capacity to work with uncertainty? What if we focused on creating environments where both emotional and creative growth could happen naturally?

What's Next

Next week, I'm introducing something different. Not another framework or script, but a practice designed to help us think clearly and make sound decisions when things are uncertain. It's structured, simple, and practical.

In the meantime, I'd love to hear from you:

When was the last time you found yourself reaching for a script when the situation actually needed presence and judgment?

What happened, and what did you learn?