I was part of a panel discussion a few days ago with an Indian University, Munjal University. They were holding a 2-day conference with the topic of Navigating a VUCA World. For those that may not be familiar with VUCA, it stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. The term arose in the late 1980s, in particular to describe the post-cold war multilateral world. Here is a summary of each of the aspects of VUCA:



V = Volatility: the nature and dynamics of change, and the nature and speed of change forces and change catalysts.

U = Uncertainty: the lack of predictability, the prospects for surprise, and the sense of awareness and understanding of issues and events.

C = Complexity: the multiplex of forces, the confounding of issues, no cause-and-effect chain and confusion that surrounds organization.

A = Ambiguity: the haziness of reality, the potential for misreads, and the mixed meanings of conditions; cause-and-effect confusion.

Source : Wikipedia



One of the main points of discussion that came out of the panel when discussing the current situation, was the importance of having the capacity to deal with the challenges and change associated with a VUCA world. In particular this relates to being mindful and present while navigating difficult and uncertain times. Given that there is currently so much change occurring and it is impossible to predict exact outcomes, it is necessary to be very conscious of having a sense of self. A recent example of this that I witnessed was in an interview with Michelle Obama. During the interview she described how she had been feeling what she termed, “a low-grade depression”. In identifying where she was at and acknowledging it, she was very aware of her state and thereby gave permission for others to acknowledge their own feelings. In doing so she gave a sense of awareness that there were ongoing external factors at work that are beyond her capability to change however she could be present and mindful of where she was at, to assist her in making her way through it. She noted it was okay to acknowledge the world around us can have an effect on our well-being. “The idea that we all should just feel OK all the time—that just doesn't feel real to me. So, I hope you all are allowing yourselves to feel whatever it is you're feeling."

As the world continues to respond to the challenges and change that COVID-19 has brought, being present to your own experience and journey is I believe a key component to emerging intact on the other side. So where are you at in this moment??