Being a leader in a world of 'VUCA'

VUCA volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity of general conditions and situations. The term VUCA was adopted by strategic business leaders to describe the chaotic, turbulent and rapidly changing business environments that have become the “new normal.”  

is an acronym used to describe or reflect on the

This article elaborates on the point that leadership agility and adaptability are now required skills if organizations are to succeed in this VUCA world. To combat or work within this VUCA world, leaders must be able to address each of these issues.  Bob Johansen, a fellow at the Institute for the Future, suggests that leaders must counteract these with their mirror opposites.  

VolatilityVision.

  to be counteracted with

Uncertainty Understanding.

to be counteracted with

ComplexityClarity.

  to be counteracted with

AmbiguityAgility.

  to be counteracted with

In the report entitled, "Leading Now: Critical Capabilities for a Complex World", from the Harvard Business School, the author describes eight critical capabilities leaders must possess to be effective today.

This author concludes that, "as the business world continues to change, the key traits necessary for leaders to be successful may also change. In a volatile environment, the ability to react to new scenarios is imperative."

For more ideas and considerations on how to develop leaders in a VUCA environment, click here.