Leaders Don’t Accept Chaos Is Normal
“Chaos is the new normal” is a catchphrase that’s been around for a decade or more. Recently, in a casual conversation, the phrase came up and I responded “that’s just capitulated bullshit.” I was respectfully challenged to explore the thought. So, here we go.
First, let’s take the petty off the table. Anything that purports to be ‘new’ for over a decade is not so. I’m not reacting to ‘chaos as the new normal;’ I’m reacting to ‘chaos as normal.’
Leadership in Uncertainty Is Normal
Are we working in a world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA as the MBAs call it)? Yes, of course we are. If you asked that question of someone in your position 25 years ago, would the answer be different? No. Is the VUCA louder now? Maybe. I allege yes, but only by allowing that everything is louder now. By admitting that we’ve embraced, welcomed, and developed the loudness. We, as a societal whole. Social media. ‘Always on’ culture. News replaced by clickbait.
Loud VUCA Does Not Equate to Chaos
Does VUCA = Chaos? No, it does not, even when it feels overwhelming. Chaos is complete unpredictability. That situation doesn’t exist. There may not be certainties but there are likelihoods. If you wait for certainty, you’ve probably missed the opportunity. Leaders need to grasp the likelihoods (not necessarily as hard numbers).
Leadership During Uncertainty
We need to understand how to improve the odds of getting the desired outcome. Will more information or more time clear the fog? Can we afford to wait for that? What’s the risk in moving now versus waiting? If we take action now, and the feedback goes against us, how quickly can we recover? What will that cost? Is there a preliminary or intermediary action we could or should take? These are questions to work through the VUCA. But also don’t evaluate for too long, analysis-paralysis and all that.
Leadership Means Choosing How to Respond
Why do I say the catchphrase – chaos is the new normal – amounts to capitulation? Because of how the phrase is used. It is used as a shrug. As a way to express futility in putting more energy into a challenge. It is used to express giving up. ‘Oh well, it’s chaos, and I can’t do anything about that.’ True, perturbations are unavoidable, but they can be managed and some can be turned to advantage. Your reaction to them should be reasoned and controlled. It is your reaction that matters. Submitting to ‘chaos as normal’ with a shrug is dereliction of duty as a leader. Don’t do that.
Call on me, I can help.