The Upside of Uncertainty

The framework

The Upside Framework

Four stages of practical tools, organized around a first-aid cross to remind you that help is available for facing the unknown.

The first-aid cross: Reframe at the top and Sustain at the bottom on the Thinking axis; Prime on the left and Do on the right on the Doing axis.

Thinking axis

Reframe

Uncertainty causes natural discomfort and can limit your perspective.

Reframe tools help you embrace the unknown as the origin of possibility — enabling a perspective shift that motivates you to look creatively for all the possibilities, and to believe in an upside you can't see yet.

  • Framing
  • Reverse Insurance
  • Frontiers
See all 9 Reframe tools

Doing axis

Prime

Uncertainty becomes manageable when you prepare yourself for it.

Prime tools encourage routines, self-knowledge and a portfolio of projects — preparing you by taking your personal uncertainty landscape into account, so outcomes are satisfying when it's time to act.

  • Know Your Risks
  • Dumbo Feathers
  • Personal Real Options
See all 8 Prime tools

Doing axis

Do

Uncertainty creates a fight, flight or freeze response.

Do tools promote fast learning and adaptation, dispelling ambiguity and building courage. Each step is a valuable discovery.

  • Activate & Unlock
  • 10,000 Shots
  • Values vs Goals
See all 8 Do tools

Thinking axis

Sustain

Despite our efforts, things will still “go wrong.”

Sustain tools bring energy and resilience, acting as fuel on the journey from Uncertainty to Possibility.

  • Riding the Waves
  • Connection & Community
  • Hope is Active
See all 17 Sustain tools
It is the first time that a balanced framework is proposed to handle uncertainty.

Beyond the basics

Access research, stories, and real-world examples that transform understanding into application.

Individual learners

Access our uncertainty framework through our comprehensive book and self-paced online course, designed to build your personal toolkit.

Discover paths

Teams & organizations

Bring uncertainty mastery and assessment to your entire organization through tailored workshops, keynotes, and group training experiences.

Explore solutions

Where to start with the 42.

By design

Answer three questions and we'll name three that fit your situation.

Get my three tools

By chance

Sometimes the right tool is the one you didn't choose.

What comes UP? (opens in a new tab)