Resilience and VUCA

Resilient leadership helps individuals and teams thrive in a VUCA world

What is VUCA?

The US Army War College introduced the acronym “VUCA” in the 1990’s, and since then it has become an important concept in organisational and leadership development.

The world we live in is Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA). This presents huge challenges to us as leaders – in a VUCA world we can never have full control of our environment, and must be prepared to deal with constant evolution and change. 

Thriving in a VUCA World

To survive and thrive in a VUCA world, we need Vision, Understanding, Clarity and Agility – the counterweight to VUCA, called “VUCA Prime”. 

Developing these four leadership capabilities is essential if we are to survive in a VUCA world. But how can we do this?

Resilience and VUCA

I’ve specialised in building resilience since 2012, and in that time I’ve noticed many similarities between the capabilities required to thrive in a VUCA world and the qualities of resilience. 

Resilience coaching teaches us that it’s the way we respond to events that controls how they affect us, not the events themselves. Resilience enables us to maintain composure and react calmly to VUCA, helping us maintain a positive mindset to ensure we’re able to respond appropriately to problems when they arise. 

The leadership qualities that resilience coaching teaches provide the clarity and direction to  drive transformation, support teams and thrive in periods of uncertainty. Resilient leaders are able to “ride the rapids” and understand that in a VUCA world, they are always in command of their environment, even if they’re not necessarily in control.  

Peak Performance Skills

Once a leader, their team and the organisation have started to face into and understand the context of a VUCA World; it is useful to know that there a set of "peak Performance skills" and Leadership Capabilities, that can be practiced and developed.

The Performance skills are highlighted below. These skills have some crossover with those that can be developed to build and maintain Resilience, therefore, there are many tips, tools and techniques that everyone can draw upon to meet the challenges we are facing.

FIND OUT MORE:

If you’d like to find out more about how I can help you become more resilient, please get in touch via the contact page or on social media: 

“Russell – by working with me, both I and my team have really benefited from improved clarity around our roles and responsibilities and the mind-set we need to have to perform well in this VUCA world! Our project portfolio is now being delivered at least 20% more effectively.”

Jason – Head of IT Services

“I worked with result over the last 2 years and more recently on a tailored training to over 50 people. I think he has a great ability understand requirements and adapt to meet needs. He balances his work well between support and challenge to push you to develop beyond your comfort zone. Russell is a great asset to the organisation and I would recommend him to anyone looking for coaching or development opportunities.”

Christine – Senior IT Programme Manager