As those identifying and describing the cycle of poverty over the years have noted (Moynihan,1969), the psychology of poverty (hopelessness and helplessness) might be even more difficult to overcome than the poverty cycle. True freedom is nowhere to be found in either the psychology or cycle of poverty. Alarm signals should be sounded for those advocating a pure form of collective responsibility. Hopefully, with safeguards in place and alarm signals clearly articulated, we can address the negative consequences of each Essential option in a constructive manner.
Conclusions
We have arrived at the end of this three-essay series regarding how to remain with the VUCA-Plus challenges and find ways in which to embrace and find both energy and partial solution within each challenge. I have suggested that it is critical to be guided by that which is Essential when engaging this transformation. We identify what is most important and focus on ways in which to keep that which is Essential when engaged in the ongoing Polystatic process of review, adjustment and action that is required when operating in a VUCA-Plus environment.
Clearly, many over-arching challenges face us in this environment. Peter Vaill (1996, p. 178) has suggested that this is a white-water world that is inevitably confusing. We are like the hawk swooping in on the flock of birds. There are so many birds and so much movement of the birds that it is hard to focus on any one bird. We swoop and through the flock, not finding the ability to latch on to anything. We are bewildered and in Awe of everything that swirls around us (Keltner, 2023). Like the donkey who stand between two stacks of hay, we move back and forth between the two stacks and end up choosing neither one. We oscillate between polar opposites and don’t know how to lead or manage in this world of competing haystacks.
How do we respond to these conditions. I have offered six transformations that might be of assistance. More generally we must respond in one of three ways:
- “I might be blinded but I can still see.” Sustained focus is required along with attentive thinking
- “I might be trigger-happy, but I can still reflect before acting.” We need to linger a bit. Thinking is required that is slow and reflective.
- “I might be wrong and am willing to reconsider.” We must frequently re-examine our perspective and practices. Critical thinking is an essential tool to be used repeatedly as we face the challenges of VUCA-Plus
Each of these responses moves us deeply into our own mind and heart. They each lead to engagement of the second major Lens to engage when navigating the world of VUCA-Plus. This second lens is one concerning the Essence of this world. I propose that Essence complements Essential. The two lenses together enable us to lead and learn—without having to escape down the rabbit hole to the distorted world of Serenity.
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