We are Living in a World of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity
by Ircel Harrison
We are living in a VUCA world. What does VUCA stand for? This 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.
COVID-19 was probably the wake-up call to most of us that we live in volatile times, but we have been immersed in this context for decades--9/11, the war on terror, the recession of 2008, globalization of trade, racial inequity, protests, riots, and mass shootings. These national and global movements also impact us locally in terms of shrinking manufacturing, an increasingly mobile workforce, and community decline. Add to this the natural impact of tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. We face volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous situations on a regular basis. The latest manifestations are economic instability, racial disparity, and political division.
In 1 Chronicles 12:32, we read about a particular group who came to stand with David as he opposed Saul: “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” (NLT) These understood not only the situation they found themselves in, but also knew the actions they must take.
How does a VUCA leader respond in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous times? Here are just a few examples of such leadership that have emerged in VUCA times.
Devastating tornadoes struck in the rural county where Bob pastored the Ridge Church. Under his leadership, the church had already embraced the mission of creating community for those in the area. They built a Family Life Center that became a gathering place for community activities. In the aftermath of the storms, the church opened the center for emergency shelter. Bob and church leaders reached out to area leaders and began organizing work teams to help homeowners salvage what they could from their residences. The next step was to coordinate with state and national organizations to mobilize teams to rebuild destroyed homes. The partnership repaired or rebuilt over 50 homes.
When the pandemic struck and her church closed all onsite programs, Heather became concerned about ongoing activities for children. She sought out her director of Christian Education to answer this need. They recruited a team of professional and lay educators to develop online resources for children. The regional and national judicatories were willing partners. Together, they created an online curriculum that could be used by church educators, parents, and the children themselves.
Mount Zion is an inner-city church in the midwest. When their community was shaken by demonstrations related to racial inequity, Pastor Allan called on his staff and lay leaders to accelerate their plan to create a counseling and intervention center at their church. Seeking ways to work for positive change in their city, the center enlisted professionals and laity to offer individual and group counseling to help members and neighbors process their anger and sense of alienation.
These VUCA times call us to lead in new and different ways. Volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity are not the exception but the norm. Those who are willing to champion, create, and embrace adaptive change in these VUCA times will not only survive but also thrive as leaders.
Pinnacle Leadership Associates helps develop adaptive leaders through Clergy Leadership Collective groups, staff development, coaching, and training. Check out our website for opportunities offered in the coming months.
(Adapted from Are You Ready by Ircel Harrison. Digital copy is available from Pinnacle Press.)