{"id":15190,"date":"2018-05-17T09:25:32","date_gmt":"2018-05-17T09:25:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hnews.hult.edu\/?p=15190"},"modified":"2022-05-04T16:09:43","modified_gmt":"2022-05-04T15:09:43","slug":"leading-in-a-vuca-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/leading-in-a-vuca-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Leading in a VUCA world"},"content":{"rendered":"

To operate successfully in today\u2019s fast-moving, complex climate, leaders must often feel that\u00a0they have to run just to keep still<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

New technology comes in and disrupts markets almost overnight.\u00a0 Competitors emerge from unexpected corners.\u00a0 Political and economic situations shift rapidly, exposing organizations to unprecedented levels of risk and vulnerability.<\/p>\n

We are indeed operating in a volatile<\/strong>, uncertain<\/strong>, complex<\/strong>, and ambiguous<\/strong> (VUCA) world\u2014and it\u2019s becoming clear that our comfortable, classic models of leadership don\u2019t work in this constantly changing climate.<\/p>\n

According to a recent report from Ashridge Executive Education<\/strong><\/a>, tomorrow\u2019s global leaders have to be skilled in negotiating their way through three key factors: context<\/strong>, complexity<\/strong>, and connectivity<\/strong>.\u00a0 The challenge for organizations is to make sure they are equipping future leaders with these “three Cs,” rather than simply developing them in the leadership mold of the past.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s becoming clear that our comfortable, classic models of leadership don\u2019t work in this constantly changing climate.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So what are the skills needed to lead successfully in a VUCA world? And how can managers ensure they develop the resilience to keep going when all around them is constantly changing?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leadership competencies for a VUCA climate<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. Developing a shared purpose<\/strong>
\nThe ability to build teams where employees have a shared purpose and vision is key. Leaders need to help their people understand the bigger picture and how they personally fit into it.<\/p>\n

2. Learning agility
\n<\/strong>Tomorrow\u2019s leaders need to be willing to stretch themselves out of their comfort zone and be open-minded enough to rapidly embrace new concepts.<\/p>\n

3. Self-awareness
\n<\/strong>Leaders need an understanding of their own strengths and areas for development and the impact their communication and working style has on others.\u00a0 The ability to be authentic and show your true self at work is key to building trust.<\/p>\n

4. Leading through collaboration and influence<\/strong>
\n<\/em>In today\u2019s complex world, success often depends on working with people over whom you have no official authority.\u00a0 Tomorrow\u2019s leaders need high-level influencing skills and the ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.<\/p>\n

5. Confidence to lead through uncertainty<\/strong>
\n<\/em>The ability to assess acceptable levels of risk and make decisions based on incomplete or even conflicting information is key.\u00a0 Managers also need the ability to learn from mistakes and to allow others to do the same.<\/p>\n

“Tomorrow\u2019s leaders need to be willing to stretch themselves out of their comfort zone.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Building resilience<\/h3>\n

Surviving and thriving in a VUCA world also calls for a high level of resilience<\/strong>.\u00a0 Developing this depends on a combination of physiological, psychological, and organizational factors.\u00a0 For example, leaders need to pay attention to their physical health<\/strong>, develop confidence<\/strong> in their own abilities, and willingly seek the support<\/strong> of colleagues and friends.<\/p>\n

If you feel your resilience as a leader could be improved, here are just a few questions to ask yourself<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

– Have you have had the right amount of sleep for at least 10 out of the last 14 nights?<\/em><\/p>\n

– Have you received and acted on developmental feedback at work during the last two weeks?<\/em><\/p>\n

– Have you discussed a work-related stressor with at least one family member and one work colleague in the last two weeks?<\/em><\/p>\n

– Have you exercised for at least 30 minutes, three or more times per week in the last two weeks?<\/em><\/p>\n

– Have you eaten junk food on less than two occasions in the last two weeks?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, there are a huge number of factors to take into consideration. But looking at how you shape up against these questions will help you to start thinking about what you may need to do differently to improve your resilience in a VUCA world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Interested in further developing your leadership and management skills?<\/strong>
\nDownload a brochure<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>to find out more about Ashridge Executive Education at Hult International Business School.<\/p>\n

\n

Step up your game with executive education<\/a> at Ashridge agile business school. To find out more, take a look at our blog Sticking to your values in a VUCA environment: The challenges of working with integrity<\/a>, or firm up your exec career footing with a Masters in International Business<\/a> from Hult. Download a brochure or get in touch today to find out how Hult can help you learn everything about the business world, the future, and yourself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To operate successfully in today\u2019s fast-moving, complex climate, leaders must often feel that\u00a0they have to run just to keep still. New technology comes in and disrupts markets almost overnight.\u00a0 Competitors…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":123,"featured_media":15219,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[114],"tags":[212,181,204,205],"yoast_head":"\nLeading in a VUCA world<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We are operating in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world\u2014and it\u2019s becoming clear that our comfortable, classic models of leadership don\u2019t work in this constantly changing climate. 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