A Leadership Guide to Handling VUCA

August 14, 2024

In this interview, Ghenwa Habbal a seasoned business psychologist and a leadership coach, sheds light on the challenges organisations face in today’s Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity(VUCA) environment.

This conversation highlights the importance of agility and innovative thinking for organisations to thrive amidst global disruptions.

Understanding VUCA

The VUCA framework has become a cornerstone in understanding the current business landscape. As organisations look at encouraging rapid changes, the ability to adapt and think creatively has become ever crucial. Habbal explained that while some organisations are excelling, others struggle due to their inability to navigate these challenges effectively. The discussion also tackles how organisations can be agile and embrace out-of-the-box thinking for success in this turbulent environment.

Transformational leadership in VUCA times

Transformational leadership emerged as a key theme in the discussion. This leadership style, which focuses on empowering employees, moves away from micromanagement, and fosters trust, is seen as essential for navigating VUCA.

Habbal explains further that transformational leaders inspire their teams by trusting their judgment and helping them shift their perspectives when faced with challenges. This approach not only enhances individual performance but also drives organisational success in a complex world.

Habbal also touched on the concept of “TUNA,” a newer framework that builds on VUCA, representing Turbulent, Uncertain, Novel, and Ambiguous. This updated model underscores the increasing complexity and unpredictability of today’s business environment.

According to her, leaders must not only adapt to these challenges but also guide their teams through them with a forward-thinking mindset.

 

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