Survive First.. Prosper Later!

#VUCAWorld! Heard this somewhere? No, it isn't a favourite business buzzword, but a reality! Believe it or not, We live in a VUCA World, a World that is Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous.

#Volatility – Rate of change is ever increasing
Nature, speed, volume, magnitude, and dynamics of change

#Uncertainty – Less clarity about the future,
The lack of predictability of issues and events

#Complexity – Multiplicity of decision factors
The confounding of the problems and the chaos that surrounds any organisation.

#Ambiguity – There may be no “right answer.”
The haziness of reality and the mixed meanings of conditions!

Sounds Real, isn't it? So now the question is how to survive in this VUCA world. Or can we survive at all? Well, the good news is, Yes! Recent research suggests that we can survive and thrive in the VUCA world with a simple approach. Counter VUCA with another VUCA, where counter Volatility with Vision, Uncertainty with Understanding, Complexity with Courage and Ambiguity with Adaptability.

We live in a world full of disruptions though. Where every disruption, like it or not, impacts our lives. From the way we lead our lives to the way, we manage our careers. Automation is taking away jobs. Millennials are replacing Baby Boomers and Gen X workers. Cost of doing business & margins often determine the decisions organisations take these days. So it's a game where the fittest would survive.

#Vision
Have a vision of what you want to do, where you want to be. Volatility around you can knock you off once, but your clear vision would ensure you get back and are on track. Remember, GPS works effectively only when you set the destination!

#Understanding
The only way to counter uncertainty is by developing self-awareness. When unexpected changes inevitably occur, you should possess an in-depth knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses. This would help you protect against any external storms, and at the same time, take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself.

#Courage
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, In a VUCA world, the biggest mistake we make is to keep our heads down, play it safe, and do things the way they have always been done. Being Bold, taking courageous decisions, disrupting oneself is extremely important to survive in times of uncertainty. Learn the art of taking risks, even if they are calculated ones.

#Adaptability
Be it a sport, like the cricket, or life, you only win games when you adapt to the conditions, adjust your game to meet the challenges thrown by opponents. Those who fail to adapt will end up being the losers of yesterday rather than the winners of tomorrow.

There are no products in the market that 'insures' one's career, but maybe these tips that I have outlined below could help. In the end, its all about surviving first, and prospering later!

1. #Career is a process, not a project: Approach your career as a process; get better at what you do. The journey is far important than the destination. Career is a journey.

2. Engage with others: Engage with others while on elevators, recognise them, and make them feel better. “A smile can make someone’s day; a frown can ruin it”. Use positive words while communicating.

3. Establish goals and measure results: Be accountable; ask yourself where you want to be. Embrace change at all times.

4. Find a Mentor and Be a Mentor: Find a mentor, someone whom you trust, who likes you, who wants you to succeed and who will be honest. Someone who asks, “Do you know how good you are?” At the same time be a mentor, it feels better than anything else in the world.

5. Take a personal interest in people: Know your clients, colleagues, co-workers. If possible, wish them on their birthday’s, anniversaries. People only remember how you make them Feel, Make them feel special. Treat people with Respect, be attentive, kind, friendly & helpful.

6. Before you begin a project understand the objective: What are you trying to accomplish?

8. Ask questions: It helps to clarify confusion, it helps to move forward. As Simon Senek Says; #StartwithWhy?

9. Sharpen the Saw: Integrate #learning into your goal setting. Life is all about continuous learning. So if you haven't done much in the last few years, maybe it's time to upskill. Tackle learning with vigour.

10. Commit: Commit to a hobby, or physical activity & stay fit.

BONUS TIP -

11. Don’t forget to #thank people who have made a change in your life. An Individual’s success is a collection of small acts, yielding significant results.