Welcome to our first VUCA Cycle of Learning (VCol) podcast episode!  While we are a podcast that is committed to having long-form conversation on interesting topics, we also recognize that the VUCA world requires us to speed up at times and provide some actions you can take to better navigate the complexity.

The VCol concept comes from Dr. Kurt Fischer and has been improved upon by Dr. Theo Dawson and her colleagues at Lectica (https://lecticalive.org/#gsc.tab=0).  At Lectica, they call them "Virtuous Cycles of Learning", but for us we call them VUCA Cycles of Learning.  Regardless of the name, the concept and process is the same.  The VCol process is about creating real learning that leads to transformation.  Normal learning is about memorizing facts.  VCols are about putting what we learn into action and reflecting constantly on our experiences.  The VCol process follows a circular path:

1. Set a Learning Goal
2. Seek information in support of the learning goal
3. Apply what you learn in real-life situations
4. Reflect on your experience
5. Set the next learning goal based on your experience

Every week, Marion and David will offer a short podcast episode with a VCol that we have used with our clients to help them thrive in a VUCA world.  For this week, we suggest a VCol about decision-making.  First, Marion takes us through a visualization where we recall a recent decision or choice we made.  What was happening for you as you made the decision? What emotions? What thoughts? What values were you expressing in the choice you made? 

We then ask you to bring more awareness to decision situations you find yourself in over the next week.  What values are important and consistent as you make decisions?  Really push yourself to be actively aware as you make choices, both large and small.  

We believe that decision-making is one of the most critical skills a VUCA leader can deploy.  But we also find that most leaders, leadership teams and organizations struggle to make decisions or to communicate how decisions are being made.  This leads to low morale, confusion, frustration, and poor decisions that do not take enough perspectives into account.  

We encourage you to really try out this VCol to 1) become more familiar with the practice of doing VCols in general, and 2) to shine more light on how you make decisions and what values are being expressed when you do so.  

For some, the concept of values can be confusing.  Here is a list of some common values to help you with the VCol:

Family

Happiness

Longevity

Efficiency

Creativity

Risk-Taking

Rest

Effectiveness

Communication

Imagination

Punctuality

Courage

Achievement

Intelligence

Education

Respect

Competition

Approachability

Professionalism

Commitment

Self-Confidence

Originality

Frugality

Independence

Structure

Growth

Stillness

Inclusiveness

Decision-Making

Compliance

Objectivity

Accuracy

Education

Inner Peace

Bravery

Altruism

Congruence

Fitness

Patience

Calmness

Tradition

Collaboration

Composure

Talent

Trust

Self-Awareness

Wealth

Tradition

Service

Wisdom

Adventure

Persistance

Responsibility

Fairness

Playfulness

Unity

Perseverance

Sincerity

Assertion

Tolerance

Consistency

Justice

Novelty

Authenticity

Humor

Conservation

Generosity

Challenge

Freedom

Community

Determination

Recognition

Confidence

Consideration

Orderliness

Security

Diversity

Modesty

Honesty

Integrity

Resilience

Passion

Acceptance

Moderation

Simplicity

Confidence

Environmental Sustainability

Continuous Culture

Faith

Optimism

Patriotism

Innovation

Balance

Candor

Fidelity

Ambition

Accountability

Preparedness

Belonging

Community

Excellence

Quality

Reliability

Sensitivity

Practicality

Expertise

Focus

Independence