“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones who are most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin
You often hear Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, first published in his book On the Origin of Species in 1859, summarized as “survival of the fittest.” It turns out this is not exactly the correct interpretation.
In reality, Darwin actually meant survival of the most adaptable to change.
This concept of adaptability applies perfectly to today’s chaotic VUCA environment. I believe those organizations (and leaders) who are best able to adapt to change will grow and thrive. Those who don’t, won’t!
VUCA is the New Normal
Let’s face it, 2020 has been one wild rollercoaster of a ride. Across industries, the global pandemic has accelerated many changes that were already in motion, and created a number of new ones.
This unprecedented pace of change and disruption is only going to continue. This new VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) environment is here to stay.
As a result, leaders of organizations have a simple choice to make:
- Will they stand by and hope for things to revert?
- Or, will they choose to adapt to the new environment?
When you step back and think about it, the correct answer is obvious.
Things are very unlikely to return to where they were. Ever.
The world has changed. As a result, leaders and their teams need to adapt. Quickly.
Adaptability is the Key to Survival and Growth
The key to survival and growth in times of disruption is your mindset, your preparation, and your willingness to embrace change.
Leaders, organizations, and industries who are operating in survival mode are in deep trouble. When survival instincts prevent movement from the status quo, then extinction is near.
Those leaders, and their teams, who are adaptable and operate with an empowered, strategic, and future-focused way of thinking will win. The ability to be flexible, make quick decisions, and then take action will help them out-wit, out-play, and out-last their competitors. This is the key to survival and growth in a VUCA world.
Leaders and their teams need to get out of the building. They must be ever vigilant, always prepared to act quickly and decisively when confronted with moments of need or opportunity, adversity or change.
VUCA Strategic Planning is Your Secret Weapon
Any battle-hardened leader will tell you that no plan survives its first contact with the market! Therefore, it is wise to have a robust, yet flexible, approach when making plans for the future.
The VUCA Strategic Planning framework provides a disciplined approach to planning and achieving the Envisioned Future of the organization, while maintaining flexibility the ability to pivot quickly when VUCA strikes.
We do not always see it immediately, but disruptions also bring opportunity. We need to be observant and open to the possibility. Be calm and clearheaded enough to recognize it and react appropriately.
Strategic organizations and brave leaders are even willing to disrupt themselves!
To win in a disruptive VUCA environment, you must win in your mind first! This begins with preparation, and a comprehensive strategic plan.
To survive and thrive, high performing leaders and their teams:
- Know their purpose, their why.
- Understand their long-term goals. Their what.
- Know how they need to work together. Their strategy. Their how.
- Have connection. Share common core values.
- Have robust situational awareness, considering both internal and external perspectives and market forces.
- Have a comprehensive plan. Everyone on the team has a role to play.
- Have considered and planned for alternative scenarios. Leaders are constantly asking “what if?…”
- Maintain an active strategy portfolio in case the primary one fails.
- Actively manage the execution of the plan to monitor progress, control resources, and have the ability to make quick course-corrections.
Conclusion – Adapt or Risk Failure
This is both an exciting and nerve-wracking time to be a business leader.
Regardless of your industry, or the size of your organization, today’s business climate is chaotic, fluid, and changing rapidly. Every leader and their team will have a unique set of problems to solve and challenges to overcome, requiring new ways of thinking and different tactics than the past.
As our new VUCA world continues to unfold, I believe there will be unlimited opportunity to grow and thrive for those organizations who are best able to adapt.
I encourage all leaders and organizations to embrace change and build adaptability as a core competancy.
-Onward