Are You Ready to Reforge Relationships in this Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous Time?
By Ircel Harrison
What is our primary need in a VUCA world? VUCA is an acronym introduced by the U.S. Army War College in the early 1990s to describe the world we entered when the Cold War ended--volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. The term is now used to describe the contemporary context in which we live and work.
In this VUCA moment, we are rediscovering that what we crave most are relationships. We are discovering new ways to relate to family, friends, co-workers, and fellow disciples.
Lead with humanity and empathy.
The key word I am hearing both from business and spiritual leaders is connection. In this time of shelter-in-place and social distancing even the introverts among us desire human contact. Even those who have families with whom to interact are feeling vulnerable. Church leaders have created or rediscovered many ways to keep in touch with their flocks. Leaders use technological platforms like Zoom and Facetime, but also write letters and cards and make telephone calls to stay connected. One pastor in a church with an older demographic reported that his Wednesday night Bible study attendance had doubled since he started offering it by a telephone bridge service. As he said, “Everyone has a phone.” No matter their age, status or level of church involvement, each person is reminded that they are loved and important.
Reinforce your organization’s narrative.
Every organization is subject to “mission drift.” Even faith-based organizations will inevitably drift from their founding mission and attempt to do things outside of that mission. The COVID-19 crisis has helped us to remember an important aspect of our mission: the church is the people not the building. This is an insight that reminds us that we are the people of God regardless of when, where, and how we meet. This is a valuable part of our narrative.
Inspire others to grow from this experience.
In a THNK blog, the writers note that a crisis “is an opportunity to learn new skills, to take risks, to emerge stronger on the other side.” Clergy leaders have certainly embraced this challenge, but many of our lay leaders have as well. They have learned new technological skills to contact people, access resources, teach the Bible, and conduct group meetings. We have all found ourselves learners who are willing to share what we have learned with others. We are on a journey that stretches us, and we are doing it together.
In Leading Congregational Change, the authors point out that at the heart of a successful change process are two things: spiritual and relational vitality. Just as Jesus explained in Matthew 22:36-40, we are to love God and love our neighbor--vertical and horizontal relationships. Both are needed during this time of change. Failure to nurture both can lead us down the wrong path.
What relationships are sustaining you during these VUCA times? How are you investing in others right now?
In a new e-book Are You Ready, Coaching Coordinator Ircel Harrison attempts to answer the question, “How does a VUCA leader respond in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous times?” The e-book is available from Pinnacle Leadership Press as a digital download.