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If you have been following my posts on The Inclusion Solution lately, you have seen references to VUCA. VUCA is a concept that originated with students at the U.S. Army War College to describe the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity of the world after the Cold War, which officially ended in the early 1990s. I have thoroughly embraced this acronym and its meaning to describe today’s environment. 

VUCA is a concept that originated to describe the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity of the world after the Cold War. I have embraced this acronym and its meaning to describe today’s environment. Share on X

I think it is safe to say that the world has experienced more VUCA in the last two years than at any other time in modern history. What is perhaps unique is the compounding of catastrophic events. We had not seen a global pandemic in over a century, and after two years of VUCA associated with it, it is still causing havoc. We have not experienced this magnitude of political polarization in many years, and that seems to be intensifying. The manifestation of blatant racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism is at a level not experienced since the days of Jim Crow. Many say we are already in a culture war. 

Let’s break down each part of the acronym a bit further and consider how it shows up today: 

  • Volatility is characterized by challenges that are unexpected, unstable and for unknown duration. The pandemic certainly fits this description. For example, do we send children back to in-person learning environments or not? How do parents plan for care when these decisions seem to be a moving target? 
Volatility is characterized by challenges that are unexpected, unstable and for unknown duration. The pandemic certainly fits this description. Share on X
  • Uncertainty is synonymous with unpredictability, unreliability, and precariousness — often where the causes and effects of a situation are unknown. Again, this is an apt description of the pandemic. New information, sometimes conflicting, continues to unfold. Uncertainty pervades these days in facets of our lives from the economy to our personal safety. 
  • Complexity clearly describes what we are experiencing. There are many interrelated parts and variables that can be overwhelming to understand and navigate, such as dismantling unrelenting systemic racism that pervades every aspect of society.  
  • Ambiguity means that there is more than one interpretation, and the meaning is not clear. Similar concepts include “arguable” or “up for debate.” There is certainly no lack of debate these days, even on topics we may have assumed were clear long ago, like abortion and voting rights, and the meaning of racism. 

Our next feature series will explore what VUCA means from intrapersonal, interpersonal, team, organizational, and societal levels for our work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We will share personal stories from BIPOC and other marginalized groups navigating this world. We will hear the perspectives of leaders and the challenges of leading in a VUCA world. We will explore how organizations have had to shift their thinking about policies and practices. We will also look at VUCA from the perspective of societal shifts. The series is designed to provide inspiration to help us all stay whole and healthy in spite of it all. 

This feature series will explore what VUCA means from intrapersonal, interpersonal, team, organizational, and societal levels for our work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Share on X