Home / Resources / Using VUCA to Hold our Own in Today’s World

Using VUCA to Hold our Own in Today’s World

The acronym VUCA originated in the American military to describe the world as it currently is and to help prepare for challenges ahead.  In recent years it has been adopted in leadership circles and is used by organisations to plan for the continual uncertainty present in today’s world.

VUCA stands for:

V olatility
U ncertainty
C omplexity
A mbiguity

As the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day on Monday 10th October, is “Dignity in Mental Health – Psychological & Mental Health First Aid for All” we thought it would be worthwhile to look at how VUCA can be used beneficially by individuals to help protect their mental health in the uncertain world 2016 presents.

The importance of enhancing our resilience is now well accepted in helping to improve our wellbeing and balance the pressures many of us experience in our work and personal lives.  By taking the VUCA acronym, and re-defining it to include strengths and skills we can develop in ourselves, the business model can be transformed into a practical, personal model.

Volatility is used to describe the rate of change and the speed with which decisions have to be made, as everyone today expects an instant response.  The best way to deal with volatility is to have a clear vision and focus of where you want to be.  Versatility and vibrancy will both help individuals to deal with volatility; versatility depicting adaptability and resourcefulness, whilst vibrancy will bring buoyancy and energy to any situation.

Uncertainty is probably one of the most commonly used words on our news channels today and something which surrounds us all.  If we are to be at ease in today’s society, we need to learn to be brave and comfortable with uncertainty and find a path through it.  Finding a way to accept uncertainty as a given in this world and not be discouraged or put off will help us deal with both volatility and uncertainty.  Accepting what we can control and what we can’t is the first step.

Complexity deters us from looking at things in black and white, there are usually many inter-connecting factors involved in making decisions.  The concept that there will be one ideal and long-lasting solution is outdated; thinking around situations and co-operating with others helps to move us forward.  Working on building our creativity and coherence  will help us to be imaginative and logical when it comes to steering ourselves through the complexities of our work and personal lives.

Ambiguity is increased by constant change and complications which can make it difficult for us to understand the effects and implications of events.  It helps to be accepting of the fact that we are unlikely to ever have enough information before making a decision and learn to think differently so that we can manage risk without it having a negative effect on our emotional bank balance.  Being alert and adventurous will help us to be psychologically flexible and to better handle ambiguity.

So below are a few strengths to build on as they may stand us in good stead when it comes to living in our VUCA world:

VUCA Strengths

 

 

 

The 2016 World Mental Health Day is on Monday 10th October, this year’s theme covers “Psychological First Aid”.

Recent articles on our blog....

A plate with 3 prettily decorated individual apple pies with a further one sitting on a tiny plate in the foreground.

They may not be apple or key lime, but Ted Pies can really help your communication skills

March 22, 2024

In this article, we include a visual illustrating what the acronym Ted Pies stands for and look at how it can be used to benefit workplace wellbeing.

Read More →
The word newsletter printed on white paper inserted into a selection of brightly coloured envelopes

Winter newsletter has tips to boost workplace wellbeing

February 13, 2024

The latest edition of our quarterly newsletter aims to boost workplace wellbeing with tips, resources and a story to warm your heart.

Read More →
Blurred image of a suited male pointing at exclamation mark hologram for overcoming culture of false urgency tip

Tips for overcoming a culture of false urgency at work

February 8, 2024

For our latest wellbeing at work tip, we look at some signs that a culture of false urgency may exist followed by suggested tips to overcome it for individuals, managers and team leaders.

Read More →

Testimonials

ineq-about-us-150x150

Our purpose is to provide training and consultancy services to enhance resilience, health and wellbeing in the workplace.

ineq-ethos-values-150x150

Differentiation is one of the most strategic and tactical activities in which companies most constantly engage

ineq-faqs-150x150

It's natural to have questions about training and how it fits with your organisation. Our FAQs can help you find out more.

ineq-case-studies-150x150

View case studies for some of the in-house training courses we have delivered to different types of organisations across the UK.