Why There Is A Need for VUCA-lized Leadership To Address The COVID-19 Pandemic

Thursday, April 09, 2020 / 9:00 PM / Bukola Akinyele for WebTV / HeaderImage Credit: WebTV

As the COVID-19 crises continues to ravageglobal economies, leadership has become an increasingly critical functionin both the public and private sectors. The importance of leadership inmanaging the current global health crisis was brought to the fore onWebTV's Coronanomics Watch where strategic management consultant, Mr. JohnWesey, shared his views on the concept of VUCA-lized leadership andimportant role it will play during current pandemic.

He implored citizens to maintain social distancing asthe novel Coronavirus has no particular cure or vaccine. The absence of a curecreates different levels of challenges and perhaps opportunities.

According to Wesey, VUCA-lized leadership was areflection of challenges that has been prevalent in the last four (4)years. Vocal is an acronym for volatile, uncertain, complexand ambiguous situations which describes current conditions. The acronymwas developed in 1987 which was a period of major uncertainty.

Wesey noted that a leader must understand ways andpatterns, using data to take informed decisions , Nigeria Centre For DiseaseControl [NCDC] should provide the rate of test in the country in order tohave estimates per state.

In his view, Wesey said that the country needsdata and hotlines for citizens to interact, to make decisions that aretimely and efficient.

Noting what needs to be done for effective leadership communication, Wesey said that that the country needsvisionary leaders with adequate emotional intelligence and project deliveryskills. He pointed out that the vison leaders preach must be supported by seriesof properly choreographed activities that build the confidence and trust of thecitizenship.

He emphasized the need for leaders to develop theempathy, sensitivity and communication skills needed to purchase the buy in ofthe average citizen on the street.

According to the management expert, to make sounddecisions leaders must demonstrate critical thinking skills and understand howto interpret and respond to alternate scenarios. Wesey called for a review ofNigeria's healthcare system and encouraged national and subnationalleaders to take tough decisions on how best to grow the economy while providingpalliatives to soften the effects of fiscal shocks on companies, individualsand other institutions.

He spoke on compassion and connection as two powerfulwords needed during this period. He noted that love and sacrifice are wordsthat drive compassion by showing care to one another which is an aspect ofgovernance Nigerian leaders fail terribly.

In his view, Wesey believed that leaders thatdemonstrate and show compassion create connection with the citizenship. Heargued that compassion and connection create togetherness that builds communalresilience.