Top Five Tips for Project Managers in a VUCA World

The purpose of this article is to share five tips for Project Managers to help them successfully operate in a VUCA world.

Last year I became aware of a term known as VUCA, which stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It was introduced to me by a Senior Project Management Professional and Risk Management expert, John Lobban. Mr. Lobban provided great insights into the VUCA world, which opened my mind to the relevance of this term to the Project Management discipline.

Based on further research, VUCA was first used in 1987, drawing on the leadership theories of Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus. VUCA sought to examine the macro conditions and situations. It later took on a deeper meaning to guide strategic leadership and gain insights into the global trends, organizations, and the behaviours of groups and individuals.

Please see below an explanation of all the VUCA elements:

• Volatility– examines the nature and dynamics of change, as well as the quality and speed of change forces and catalysts
• Uncertainty– explores the evident lack of predictability of the environment (micro and macro) and the level of awareness and understanding expected of the various issues
• Complexity– the multiplicity and depth of the problems, with sometimes no clear cause-and-effect chain and confusion that surrounds companies
• Ambiguity– the vagueness and mixed meanings of information, leaving it open to one’s interpretation and potential misreads

I am particularly intrigued by VUCA because many times in our role (as Project Managers), we manage projects in this type of environment (micro and macro). However, the reality is that we are considered experts who should be proactive, solutions-oriented, and navigate the various challenges, issues, and risks. We are also expected to be creative and strategic in our thinking when planning and executing projects, using the tools and techniques to achieve the objectives.

As I continue to hone my project management skills, I realize that it is vital that Project Managers have the “right mindset” to effectively lead on projects. There are times when I am tempted to (and do) try to fight against the VUCA environment. However, true mastery of this field lies in one’s ability to adapt, be solutions-driven, and resolute in the mission.

Some recommended tips to my fellow Project Managers are:

1. Create and maintain a clear vision. As Project Managers, we need to be clear about the business objectives and the needs of our project stakeholders. What is the desired result? We are required to perform the necessary due diligence to effectively craft a meaningful vision and direction for the overall project, the business interests, and our team. This tip is essential mainly as we help the team to remain focused and develop the ability to pivot quickly.
2. Ensure that you thoroughly understand the industry (or industries) you operate locally and globally. Do the necessary research of competitors and trends, so that you have a reference point to work from when planning and executing your projects. The fact is that there can be many unknowns when managing a project. However, we must be proactive enough to gain significant insights to make the path less frustrating.
3. To the extent that you lead a team and have to engage with other stakeholders within the organization, clear communication is a high priority. When there is ambiguity, do not be afraid to ask questions or ask for advice from key stakeholders, subject matter experts, industry experts, or even your team. Find ways to improve your communication skills so that you can effectively and intelligently convey information about the project, request resources, and even motivate the project team. Also, remember that synergy and teamwork are the lifeblood of project management- the quality and clarity of communication impacts (positively or negatively) those elements.
4. Always find ways to improve your skills as a Project Manager. Project Management is a dynamic field, and so is the world. In a bid to effectively lead on projects, we need to have the relevant skillsets to navigate the context the project exists in. We are not required to know everything (hence, why we have a team). However, specific skills will make our project leadership more effective. If we work in an environment where certain types of projects are best managed using the Scrum mindset, then do a short course in Scrum or take it a step further and get certified. Agility is where the world is going (or where the world is at). I know that it is easier said than done with all the demands, but it does make all the difference when we have the skills to tackle some of those same demands.
5. Remain positive and purposeful. Sometimes the VUCA environment can test your patience as a Project Manager, but as best as possible, remain positive. It is okay to be vulnerable as a leader. However, one expects that you will rise above the issues, clear hurdles, and inspire and motivate your team to achieve the goals. It is intentional that I started the tips with vision and end them with purpose. When we have a sense of purpose, it helps to fuel the vision that we have for the project and business.

Please note that while this article relates to Project Management, it applies to other professions and leaders in the business landscape. Let’s realize that we are humans (first) navigating various conditions and devise strategies to overcome the challenges, not just for ourselves but for others. It is my view that networks serve to inspire, motivate, and help you grow and blossom into your full potential. Let’s successfully navigate this VUCA World…together.

This article represents the first in a series of blogs written under the Global Projects Consultancy (GPC) brand.

Bio

Zoya Salmon- Powell, PMP, CSM is a Thought Leader, Globally Certified Project Management Professional, Budding Agilist, and Marketing Enthusiast. She is an Executive MBA Candidate at the Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University. Based in Jamaica, Zoya is the Founder & CEO at Global Projects Consultancy (GPC) and Empression (Fashion & Inspiration). She is also the Head of the Project Management Office at Yello Media Group.