The Millennial generation is the first fully digital generation born in the USA. They're also the first fully VUCA generation.
What's VUCA? It's a term coined by Robert Johansen in Leaders make the future: Ten new skills for leading in an uncertain world to describe the world in the 21st century. VUCA means volatile, uncertain, chaotic and ambiguous.
Here's a pertinent point about VUCA: The Millennial generation isn't just in a VUCA world. They're of it. They're perfectly positioned to lead a VUCA transformation at personal, community and national levels -- and they've already begun transforming their world because of natural inclinations; they're confident, connected and open to change.
It seems, however, many Millennials aren't aware of the full implications of VUCA. Currently, they couch VUCA digitally or socially; yet, working in a VUCA world requires much more than digital proficiency or wanting to make a difference. It requires mastering new management, leadership, communication and learning skills.
Here's 3 META-tips (tips on tips) for mastering new skills in a VUCA world:
1. There is no learning in a VUCA world without action and reflection (i.e., action-learning). Act, reflect and learn; act, reflect and learn; act, reflect and learn, etc. Determine what works and what doesn't.
2. A VUCA world is one in which the opportunity to create the reality you want is readily available. You can't predict the future, but you can create it through a core consistency of focus, commitment, and action-learning -- over the long-haul -- coupled with a ground to creativity as needed.
3. VUCA success is nuanced to the situation. It depends on who, what, where, when and why -- especially why. Ask yourself why, first. Why gives meaning and meaning creates a personal North Star.
Here's to your North Star. May it shine forever.
Follow Eroca Gabriel on her blog at communicatingatworkinthe21stcentury.blogspot.com.
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