A Very Messy World: What Are the Solutions?
The world is going through the most complex and turbulent situation it has ever seen. Never before has there been such a severe time. Two prominent scholars who studied this period were Warren Bennis and Burt Nanoose. VUCA is the acronym used to describe this period based on the leadership theory they both developed in 1987. Its explanation is given below:
V= Volatility
U= Uncertain
C = Complex
A= Ambiguous
A period of extreme confusion, uncertainty, confusion and ambiguity is known by the short name of ‘Vuka’. This is a complex period of turbulent and unexpected changes. VUCA began to be widely used in 2002 after the end of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. U.S. The Army War College also popularized VUCA.
The VUCA phenomenon is expected to become more complex and problematic in the future. The Covid-19 disease that shook the world can be considered as an event of the ‘Vuka’ era. Because it was an unexpected and sudden disaster. Similarly, the debut of Uber Taxi was an unexpected change in the business sector. Taxi booking, which was very difficult for those arriving in unfamiliar cities, became a breeze.
Unexpected changes are also taking place in the socio-economic field. Our world is changing rapidly. Geo-political events, economic indicators and frequent changes in financial markets all become due to VUCA periods. There is no doubt that change is happening. Trying to defend against it is a waste of work. Threats and opportunities in this period cannot be predicted. But it needs to be faced and overcome with the right approach.
Ways to cope
A leadership is essential to face the VUCA world/time. As far as man is a social being, he needs leadership to give him the right direction. The leadership should be able to give necessary directions to the fellows and to hold them together and give them courage.
Fostering a learning culture is the key to surviving the turbulent VUCA phenomenon. Or comprehensive education that includes physical, spiritual, mental, skill development and creative talent. In its absence, we are witnessing many tragedies ranging from suicide to murder. Modern man is addicted to extreme despair and depression. Education should be provided to overcome this.
Another way to deal with VUCA times is to be clear about everything. It is only through such a realization that new situations can be faced. Clarity is needed to generate new ideas and solve problems. It is also important to recognize that it is not possible to move forward without taking prudent risks.
Another way to deal with ‘wukah’ times is to adapt to change. Trying to resist change is as futile as fighting the wind. When the spread of the Covid-19 disease, some people were blindsided, but others used the opportunity creatively before our eyes?
In such a situation, one cannot take a step forward without abandoning the traditional methods. Society also needs people who are capable of agile planning and strategizing. They should be able to accurately understand the consequences of decisions. It is also important to have coordination in the field. Weakness through disunity. Now is the time to strengthen cooperation. We cannot face these difficult times through mutual animosity. This crisis can be overcome only by holding everyone together.
Islamic approach
Man was created to be tested. Heaven is for those who alternate between pleasure and pain and succeed. Every human being in every age, by whatever name it is called, has had to face some tough phase. The VUCA phenomenon described above is also part of it. Live with devotion to Allah. Have firm faith and trust in Him.
Keep up the prayer so as not to be tempted by burdens that you cannot bear. Face difficulties with patience. Avoid luxury and materialism. If these beliefs are inculcated at a young age, we can reduce the suicide rate. It is possible to save the future generation only through education that includes all these things.