Future Proof
Rapid and frequent changes make us consider our priorities and adjust our actions. Growing inequality and changes in demographics, the environment and Technology are impacting our economic systems and adding complexity to the world we live in.
New leadership models and mindsets are needed to deal with complex and uncertain environments. Complexity is one of four letters included in the acronym VUCA — Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. The term was first used in US military and has ever since been adopted more widely. Dave Snowden’s Cynefin sense-making model classifies challenges in four quadrants (Simple or Obvious, Complicated, Complex and Chaos) and helps decision-makers navigate what kind of thinking they should apply to better solve them. Michael J. Arena and Mary Uhl-Bien have done extensive research on Complexity Leadership Theory. Their research shows the best way to work with complexity is through complexity itself in what they call “Adaptive Space”. Adaptive Space sits in between the entrepreneurial / innovative and the result-driven / operational systems. It engages disruptive ideas and infuses them into formal processes. It embraces the constant interaction between what has been established and what will disrupt it and make it adjust.
A volatile and complex reality also demands a new set of skills. Information is widely available so it is not required to retain it as much as it was in the past. The ability to process, interpret and communicate knowledge is more valued. Empathy, collaboration and teamwork are essential soft skills to lead diverse teams. Learning agility has become crucial to stay relevant in an ever changing landscape shaped by Technology and Automation.
In the past two weeks, I have been part of an emergency response group to deal with some of the downstream effects of the CoronaVirus crisis. We had to analyze challenges, mobilize teams and make and communicate decisions very fast. As unique as this situation is, I find myself and my teams operating in complex environments more and more often. As we are reacting to this complex environment, I can see our teams embracing these new leadership models and mindsets. We are showcasing the ability to problem solve and leverage systems and social networks to move fast. Groups are coming together regularly in daily scrums and sharing new information in a variety of communication channels real time. Plans are set, activities are coordinated and documentation is shared. Capabilities, plans, documentation and reports continuously adjust to respond to new information. It sounds chaotic, and at times, it is. It is also the best way to execute in a chaotic environment.
Creativity and humor have also been radiating in the past couple of weeks working from home. Virtual backgrounds have made us laugh and talk about movies and vacation spots. Lighter conversations have flourished as partners, kids and pets passed by during video conferences. These experiences humanized digital conversations and made the team bond. We are finding ways to bridge the social distancing and evaluating what’s truly important.
The future of work is here. This is an unfortunate accelerated test and we are all part of it.
What are your tips to become future proof?