Over the last 20 months, we've embraced a whole host of new words and phrases: from "coronavirus" to "ping-demic" and "social-distancing." Yet, the most famous catchphrase in management schools and boardrooms worldwide has been the rather ominous "VUCA."
So how does a former military acronym, coined by the U.S. Army War College to describe the post-War theatre, have anything to do with business?
Well, in 2021 - and the very near future, it refers to the mindset needed to navigate the unpredictable social, economic and political environment we are living in and the leadership required to navigate it effectively.
So What is VUCA?
VUCA stands for: volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Essentially the last 20 months in a nutshell.
- Volatility is characterised by quick changes that usually are violent and uncontrollable.
- Uncertainty embedded in changes prevents people from using past experiences and lessons learned. In such an environment, rules become quickly obsolete and impossible due to many unknowns.
- Complexity interrupts the basic cycle of actions and their consequences since there is a tremendous amount of knowledge, variables and interconnected elements to sift through.
- Ambiguity refers to the "unknown elements" we are currently battling. The unpredictability of our present situation means that it becomes challenging to predict or search for a tried and tested solution.
So if VUCA is, in essence, all about unpredictability, how exactly are we supposed to prepare for a VUCA World?
Well, we have shortlisted three critical takeaways from our "Leading Through VUCA" training course to help you and your organisation adopt a leadership model that will counteract aspects of the unpredictable world we are inhabiting today.
From Volatility to Vision
If we look around us and even within our organisations, many businesses struggle to successfully manage within our current environment. We understand that the volatility of the pandemic has rendered traditional approaches to leadership obsolete, and we can no longer utilise previously relied upon strategic thinking and risk management strategies.
Leaders must look to new strategies and mindsets to navigate the unpredictable environment. Such modifications will make your brain rewire and build new neuronal paths.
The best news is that experiencing novelty and being mentally challenged rejuvenates you and helps you navigate the volatility of a VUCA environment.
Resilient Leadership in the Modern World
To operate in a VUCA world also calls for a high level of resilience and agility. Successful leaders in a VUCA environment need to be willing to step outside of their comfort zone, embrace new leadership strategies and concepts.
In order to develop resilience as a leader, you must look to external and internal factors, such as your own mental wellbeing, your organisation and your workforce.
Perhaps one of the critical traits of a VUCA leader is having confidence in their abilities and willingly seeking the support of colleagues and friends.
Not only do you have to have confidence in yourself, but your team must also have confidence in you to lead them through challenging periods.
From Complexity to Clarity
Managing uncertainty in the workplace is essential for today's leaders and can be the difference between a business's success or demise.
Adaptability, agility, and courage are powerful tools for business leaders to manage the unknown and effectively pull through these challenging times.
Ultimately, implementing a VUCA leadership model can help support businesses with the short-term and long-term effects of COVID-19 and any ensuing challenges of the pandemic whilst also teaching leaders how to continue to navigate the path ahead successfully.
Are you interested in further developing your leadership and management skills? Take a look at KC Academy's upcoming Leadership and Management courses.
