From VUCA to Victory: Triumphing Through Morning Madness
I wanted to practice taking a concept, in this case, the VUCA framework, and see if I could put it into the context of “real life.” The following vignette is my attempt: and I must say that I do find it somewhat relatable. 🤣Well, maybe a wee bit more than somewhat. Now the VUCA framework emerged as a military construct or acronym that was quickly adopted by the business world and used in the art of strategic foresight.
So, what exactly is VUCA?
VUCA is an acronym for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It is a concept used to describe the unpredictable and rapidly changing nature of the modern world, particularly in business, global environments and warfare.
Volatility refers to the rapid and unpredictable shifts in conditions, such as sudden changes in market trends, economic fluctuations, or geopolitical events. Uncertainty refers to the lack of predictability or clarity about future outcomes and the inability to estimate potential risks and opportunities accurately. Complexity refers to the intricate and interconnected nature of systems, often involving numerous factors and variables that can influence outcomes. Ambiguity refers to the possibility of multiple interpretations or perspectives, making it difficult to determine the true meaning or significance of information or events.
By acknowledging and understanding the VUCA nature of our surroundings, organizations and individuals can develop strategies and adapt their decision-making processes to navigate and thrive in such dynamic and uncertain environments.
Here is the kicker: I could use VUCA and strategic insight to alleviate many of the issues noted in my vignette and prepare for the anticipated morning issues. You may encounter that proverbial “fly in the ointment:” but being prepared helps. Before bed, I could have put all of my required ingredients in one place: Before the morning fog controlled my thought processes. Think about that! Now without any further ado: here is my attempt to connect the framework to a relatable morning experience.
In the mornings, you become a living embodiment of the VUCA framework (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) as you stumble out of bed, cranky and disoriented, before your sacred elixir of life — Coffee. Your unpredictable mood swings could rival the wildest rollercoaster ride, leaving those around you uncertain of what version they’ll encounter each morning.
The complexity of locating basic necessities becomes an epic quest as you fumble through drawers and cabinets, trying to find that elusive coffee filter or spoon. Everything has to go in a different location every frigging day, like some manic easter egg hunt from hell. Ambiguity reigns supreme as you question the purpose of life itself while searching for your favourite coffee mug: why am I actually here? But fear not! The aroma of freshly brewed Coffee finally begins to waft through the air.
As you sit there contemplating that first sip, you anticipate the VUCA fog lifting and then being shrouded in a cloak of clarity. You lovingly grip the mug with both hands taking a sip, only to silently scream, “Who put the f*****g salt in the sugar jar!” you mutter menacingly and incoherently under your breath. You desperately struggle to reformulate the next iteration of that life-affirming elixir with an air of panic; finally, you sit, drink, and emerge from your personal fog of war as a caffeinated superhero ready to conquer the day — one sip at a time. Good morning cruel world!
