Business
Welcome to our first VUCA Cycle of Learning (VCol) podcast episode! While we are a podcast that is committed to having long-form conversation on interesting topics, we also recognize that the VUCA world requires us to speed up at times and provide some actions you can take to better navigate the complexity. The VCol concept comes from Dr. Kurt Fischer and has been improved upon by Dr. Theo Dawson and her colleagues at Lectica (https://lecticalive.org/#gsc.tab=0). At Lectica, they call them "Virtuous Cycles of Learning", but for us we call them VUCA Cycles of Learning. Regardless of the name, the concept and process is the same. The VCol process is about creating real learning that leads to transformation. Normal learning is about memorizing facts. VCols are about putting what we learn into action and reflecting constantly on our experiences. The VCol process follows a circular path: Set a Learning Goal Seek information in support of the learning goal Apply what you learn in real-life situations Reflect on your experience Set the next learning goal based on your experience Every week, Marion and David will offer a short podcast episode with a VCol that we have used with our clients to help them thrive in a VUCA world. For this week, we suggest a VCol about decision-making. First, Marion takes us through a visualization where we recall a recent decision or choice we made. What was happening for you as you made the decision? What emotions? What thoughts? What values were you expressing in the choice you made? We then ask you to bring more awareness to decision situations you find yourself in over the next week. What values are important and consistent as you make decisions? Really push yourself to be actively aware as you make choices, both large and small. We believe that decision-making is one of the most critical skills a VUCA leader can deploy. But we also find that most leaders, leadership teams and organizations struggle to make decisions or to communicate how decisions are being made. This leads to low morale, confusion, frustration, and poor decisions that do not take enough perspectives into account. We encourage you to really try out this VCol to 1) become more familiar with the practice of doing VCols in general, and 2) to shine more light on how you make decisions and what values are being expressed when you do so. For some, the concept of values can be confusing. Here is a list of some common values to help you with the VCol: Family Happiness Longevity Efficiency Creativity Risk-Taking Rest Effectiveness Communication Imagination Punctuality Courage Achievement Intelligence Education Respect Competition Approachability Professionalism Commitment Self-Confidence Originality Frugality Independence Structure Growth Stillness Inclusiveness Decision-Making Compliance Objectivity Accuracy Education Inner Peace Bravery Altruism Congruence Fitness Patience Calmness Tradition Collaboration Composure Talent Trust Self-Awareness Wealth Tradition Service Wisdom Adventure Persistance Responsibility Fairness Playfulness Unity Perseverance Sincerity Assertion Tolerance Consistency Justice Novelty Authenticity Humor Conservation Generosity Challenge Freedom Community Determination Recognition Confidence Consideration Orderliness Security Diversity Modesty Honesty Integrity Resilience Passion Acceptance Moderation Simplicity Confidence Environmental Sustainability Continuous Culture Faith Optimism Patriotism Innovation Balance Candor Fidelity Ambition Accountability Preparedness Belonging Community Excellence Quality Reliability Sensitivity Practicality Expertise Focus Independence