When I was in second grade, one of the class projects Mrs. Stewart had us complete was to take a stuffed doll and dress it in the clothes of what we imagined ourselves to be when we grew up.
I chose an army man.
He was dressed in military camouflage and had a buzz cut.
It had more with video games and guns than it did with discipline, duty, and sacrifice so that never became my career path.
It was still fun though.
Looking back, it is a powerful, creative way for a kid to forge an identity and share it with others.
What would you make if you made one today?
Today's Power Acronym is what spurred this little story because it was coined by the U.S. Army War College.
Power Acronym 47: V.U.C.A.
No matter how much you plan or prepare, the challenges you will face in the real world will test and humble you.
As scripture says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
Or the adage “Man makes plans, God laughs”.
The military has to plan for the most intense potential challenges, making every downside even MORE significant. The highest of stakes.
This is the framework that helps us prepare for the dark comedy of life:
Volatility
I like roller coasters but I’d rather keep my feet firmly on the ground.
Six Flags is fun as a kid, but the older I get the less excited I am to be thrown around, completely out of control.
Normal life is volatile enough, thank you.
We have an influence on the rides we choose but the ups and downs could arrive at any time.
The unsteady nature of life is something we must plan for.
Anticipate volatility and answer it with steady determination.
It's time to embrace the concept of Incremental not Monumental. What is INM? It's small, daily, disciplined decisions, that over time will ALWAYS yield monumental results. - Ken Joslin
Uncertainty
What if it doesn’t work?
What if they don’t respond?
What if I do it wrong?
What if I look bad?
Your plans will not work.
Your message will not be received as intended.
You will make mistakes.
You will never be perfect.
Do it anyway.
Speak the truth.
Do it again.
You’ll be afraid.
So be courageous.
Complexity
When speaking about problems at work, I often use this metaphor:
“When you pull one string, the whole ball of yarn comes with it”
That’s because one problem uncovers others and the solving of one problem can create problems in another area. The untangling is a test of patience and will when what seems like the final move just reveals a whole new set of things to straighten out.
Personal, professional, and financial growth will not be bestowed upon us. Luck may shine her face upon us, but she is fickle. It’s better to practice solving more complex problems so that when the inevitable challenge presents itself we are not blindsided.
"Failure in itself may not be a catastrophe. Still, failure to learn from failure is." - Andrew Porteus
Ambiguity
Sometimes there’s a sufficient amount of information available for a decision to be made but the answer isn’t clear.
When exploring multiple pathways toward a desired end, it is important to work toward how to achieve the solution in the best way and not settle for “as long as it gets done”.
In the context of a team that means clear responsibilities so there’s no overlap between people or departments which can lead to “I thought so-and-so was going to take care of it”.
As Donald Miller, author of “Building a StoryBrand” says: “If you confuse, you lose”
Much more can be said about V.U.C.A.
I encourage you to learn more about the framework and see how you can apply it in your work and life!
Related Note: Staring Down the Wolf
Power Acronym Daily
Daily acronyms to encourage, enrich, and empower.