“What are all of our decisions and actions focused and directed towards?”
If we can’t answer this question, then we can’t harmonize.
If we can’t harmonize, then actions are likely disjointed and scattered amongst silos heading in various directions.
The negative effects of not having focus and direction are amplified in VUCA.
That’s a vulnerability for us, and an edge for our competitors.
The unifying effect of focus and direction is critical to improve our capacity for free and independent action.
It unifies internally amongst leaders and teams; and externally with our clients, customers and strategic partners.
Here are two perspectives that offer insight around focus and direction:
Bruce Lee:
“ The ‘immovable’ is the concentration of energy at a given focus, as at the axis of a wheel, instead of dispersal in scattered activities.”
- “The Tao of Jeet Kune Do.”
John Boyd:
“Likewise, use Schwerpunkt concept through all levels to link differing rhythms/patterns so that each part or level of the organic whole can operate at its own natural rhythm—without pulling organism apart—instead of the slower pace associated with a rigid centralized control.”
- “Patterns of Conflict”
Do we know and understand what our “immovable” or “Schwerpunkt” is?
Does everyone on the team?
Do our clients, customers and strategic partners?
The answers to these questions are critical if we want to thrive in VUCA!
Over the past several months, as I have interviewed guests on my podcast, The Eddy Network, I have found several speaking about a shift in perception from “being” to “becoming.” This idea has many sources. My conclusion is that people are adapting to a less mechanistic world but moving a way from rigid categories of fixed perception. It fits with my guiding principle that “We are all in transition. Every one of us. All the time.” This is more true to life and reality. And a whole lot more interesting.