Kuala lumpur: Leaders should not wait for absolute certainty before making difficult decisions, as some of the most consequential choices have to be made when information is incomplete and competing options both carry merit, says University of Cyberjaya Pro Chancellor Tan Sri Dr R. Palan. He said leadership was often tested not when the answer was obvious, but in situations where individuals found themselves "in the middle", caught between competing demands, perspectives, and uncertainties.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Palan emphasized that leaders don't have to resolve every tension before acting, suggesting that all they can do is make a considered judgment and move forward. He expressed these views at the launch of his latest book, titled "Stuck in the Middle", underscoring that being caught between two choices should not be seen as indecision or avoidance. Instead, there are situations where "both sides contain some truth, and neither side is enough", requiring leaders to weigh competing considerations before determining the way forward.
Palan cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a powerful example of decision-making under uncertainty. When information was incomplete and scientific understanding was evolving, decisions could not simply be postponed, he noted. "We wanted certainty, but certainty was not available. Decisions had to be made, or we had to risk millions of lives in loss," he added, illustrating that one doesn't always have to be certain to make a decision.
He further explained that judgment is influenced by perception, which can shape decisions even before facts are properly assessed. Palan shared an experience from a chess tournament where opponents did not show up to play against him, intimidated by his position as the university's Pro Chancellor, despite having higher chess rankings.
The idea for the book emerged largely from 18 podcast episodes Palan conducted last year, followed by another in January this year. These discussions challenged his assumptions and exposed him to differing perspectives on leadership, business, and life. The recurring tension of differing views became the central idea behind the book, particularly in situations where neither side offers a complete answer.
The book introduces the 6R Ambivalence Framework, which provides its theoretical foundation. Palan said it took him about a year and a half to complete "Stuck in the Middle", drawing from the podcast conversations and his own life experiences. He dedicated the book to his wife, Kamatchi, crediting her with providing balance between his ideas and practical realities.
Reflecting on his grandson and future generations, Palan emphasized that the greatest legacy is not providing ready-made answers but fostering the ability to exercise judgment and navigate an unpredictable world. "The legacy that we can leave behind for the next generation is not giving them all the answers, but helping them prepare to write their own questions so that they can find their own answers," he said.
Also present at the book launch were President Emeritus of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Tan Sri Dr Soh Thian Lai and founder and Executive Chairman of Top Glove Corporation Bhd Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai. Published by University of Malaya Press and priced at RM50, all royalty proceeds from "Stuck in the Middle" will be donated to educational charities, reflecting Palan's commitment to widening access to education.
The event also featured the launch of "The Digital Detox: Rediscovering Europe Beyond the Screen", co-authored by Palan and his daughter Shrieeya Palan. A complimentary copy of "The Digital Detox" was presented with every copy of "Stuck in the Middle" purchased at the launch.