A Tale of Two Leaders: VUCA vs. DURT
We’ve all encountered them: the VUCA leaders — volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. You know the type…constantly shifting priorities, leaving you feeling more lost than a sailor in a fog. It’s like trying to build a house on a rollercoaster.
I’ve had the privilege and the challenge of working with both VUCA and DURT leaders. While the VUCA leaders sometimes left me feeling a certain kind of way, I also recognise that they were likely navigating their own challenges. They may have been under pressure to deliver results, or perhaps they were simply inexperienced leaders.
But then there are the DURT leaders. Direct, Understandable, Reliable, and Trustworthy. They’re the steady hand on the wheel, guiding their team through stormy waters.
Remember that feeling of biting into a perfectly scooped ice cream cone on a hot summer day? That’s the feeling of working with a DURT leader… smooth and oh-so-refreshing. On the other hand, a VUCA leader is like a melting ice cream cone on a hot sidewalk. It’s unpredictable, messy and often disappointing.
I’ve had my fair share of both. I’ve been the ship adrift, lost in a sea of uncertainty, thanks to a VUCA leaders. But I’ve also sailed smoothly under the guidance of a DURT leaders.
What about you? Have you navigated the stormy seas of a VUCA leader? Or have you been blessed with a DURT leader who made your work life a breeze?
Let’s share our stories and learn from each other. After all, we can all learn a thing or two about leadership, even from our own mistakes.
