from the chair
Visionary Leadership in a VUCA World
Paula Linnen
Many of us are keenly aware of how issues , such as inflation , supply chain challenges , the lasting impact from COVID , and workforce concerns , impact our employees and organizations .
The current business landscape continues to immerse us in a volatile , uncertain , complex , and ambiguous ( VUCA ) environment . The concept of VUCA has permeated leadership considerations and articles over the last several years . What you ’ ll notice in all these is that there ’ s a key ingredient to navigating the chaos : leadership .
Leaders serve as guides in uncharted journeys . We help people make sense of changing conditions and anticipate the most likely scenarios . We are called to leadership to articulate a compelling vision , give it meaning , and implement strategies to embolden and enable our teams . This , in turn , drives decision-making and the development of modern solutions .
On a personal note , I have been reflecting on the influence of leadership . In addition to concluding my term as chair of the AWB board of directors , I am also retiring from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory after thirty-one years . As I think about the future and reflect on the past , many people have reminded me about some of the “ Paula-isms ” that have marked my approach to leadership . These simple ideas can also serve as guiding principles , such as :
You can ’ t boil the ocean , focus is imperative : Leadership is about breaking down colossal problems into a critical few outcomes with inspiring yet realistic expectations .
Find the value , not the fault : Leaders know their people are everything — and we work hard to seek out and respect the “ giftedness ” that each person brings to the table .
Lastly , one from the Harvard Business Review that is particularly salient for leaders guiding teams in VUCA environments is about embracing the transformative and inspiring impact of a well-articulated big , hairy , audacious goal .
In times of uncertainty , leaders crystalize the strategic efforts of the organization , rally their employees to pursue the goal , and serve as a beacon toward a daring and vibrant future . Since 1904 , AWB has supported our members and our state to do just that — to move us all toward economic prosperity . Whether through the work of AWB to create a vision for our state that builds on our strengths , or the work of Forterra to develop new products and services to help companies gain a competitive edge , or by the annual update of our strategic objectives developed with the insight of our members , AWB is building a legacy of excellence .
We serve as a guide , channeling the collective wisdom , insight , and expertise of those who are members of this organization . That ’ s why it is critical for each member to stay active , involved , and engaged with this work . If not us , then who ? If not now , then when ? Through our collaborative efforts , I ’ m confident that we will continue to be a trusted , credible source for leaders to navigate the business world in the years to come . fall 2022 11