Understanding VUCA: a strategist's guide
In the world of strategy these days, people often toss around the acronym #VUCA: volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity. But can you tell the difference between each?
Shifting political trendlines... an 'epochal shift' or mere turbulence?
We may be witnessing an epochal shift in the socio-political context of advanced Western economies. Brexit surprised; Trump shocked. But are these simply expressions of a broader shift in society, government and geopolitics?
VUCA translated... welcome to the world of scenarios
Is the world more turbulent than it used to be? Not everyone agrees, but an extract from a major strategy textbook suggests the business environment is more turbulent.
Brexit surprised. Trump shocked. A strategist’s view
If you are not now launching a major strategic review incorporating scenario planning, you will be grossly ill-prepared for what may unfold over the next 5-10 years. But let’s start at the beginning.
The cost of presumptions - international case studies
At their most dangerous presumptions are assumptions that are accepted as a ‘social fact’. This makes them more dangerous than assumptions. Assumptions should be explicitly identified and can be tested. But we remain blind to our own presumptions.
Opening Minds - Lessons from Cirque du Soleil
A client briefing me recently ahead of a strategy forum cautioned that they were a tough audience. Exposed to an array of corporate leadership development programs over the years, with a lot of capability in their respective fields, the challenge was to fully engage them in the search for fresh possibilities.
Are you ready for the next big shift?
Imagine China’s growth rate fell to 3.9% per annum within the next 12 months. I suspect you can’t. Ridiculous, right? Well, actually, no, but more on that later.