Agile Leadership Through the VUCA Lens

Which one of the below is NOT a hidden aspect of culture?

• Values

• Status

• Vision

• Norms

Answer explanation

The hidden aspects of culture are status, norms, values, attitudes, relationships, unwritten rules, and fundamental needs. The deeper values and beliefs can profoundly drive employee engagement, productivity, performance, and overall organizational success.

"I'm a really good writer by nature. I don't need improvement."
This statement is an example of which mindset?

• Fixed Mindset

• Growth Mindset

Answer explanation

People with fixed mindsets view intelligence, abilities, and talents as inherently stable and unchangeable over time.

"There is no failure; there is only success or learning." This statement is an example of which mindset?

• Fixed Mindset

• Growth Mindset

Answer explanation

A growth mindset views intelligence, abilities, and talents as learnable and capable of improvement through effort.

Which one of the following is NOT a trait of an agile leader?

• Flexibility and Resilience

• Emotional Intelligence

• Conflict Avoidance

• Innovation and Creativity

Answer explanation

An agile leader is not afraid to go against the status quo or address any conflicts between the team. Ignoring problems may seem helpful at first, but the longer conflict simmers, the larger the explosion will eventually be.

The recent events unfolding in France and Russia are an example of which aspect of VUCA?

• Volatility

• Uncertainty

• Complexity

• Ambiguity

Answer explanation

Political or social conflicts inject volatility into the business landscape, introducing an unpredictable operating environment that increases risks and threatens investments.

Changes in gas prices affect the prices of many other products that are not directly related. This is an example of which aspect of VUCA?

• Volatility

• Uncertainty

• Complexity

• Ambiguity

Answer explanation

Changes in gas prices affect multiple processes within the value chain of many products and services, causing product prices to rise. Gas prices are one of the many factors that should be considered in the complex process of pricing products and services.

Which of the following is NOT a way to deal with a VUCA world?

• Plan for the worst

• Communicate with your team

• Set flexible goals

• Improvise

Answer explanation

Agility is not improvisation. Being agile means being prepared to face situations as they unfold.

Which of the following is FALSE?

• Flexibility means sharing power and allowing yourself to be influenced by others’ input so you can build shared solutions and diverse options.

• Learning is the difference between acting agile out of necessity and being agile by design.

• Uncertainty is predictable and can be avoided by sticking to the status-quo

• An insincere compliment is more damaging than an unacknowledged achievement.

Answer explanation

Business uncertainty is different from risk. Risk is measurable and can be predicted or estimated. Meanwhile, uncertainty is unpredictable because it arises suddenly with little to no indication.

Which of the following is NOT an aspect of VUCA prime?

• Vision

• Understanding

• Commitment

• Accountability

Answer explanation

VUCA prime stands for vision, understanding, clarity, and agility.

John has been working as a software engineer for a reputable tech company for three years. Initially, he was highly motivated, showing enthusiasm and dedication. However, over the past few months, his motivation has noticeably diminished. Several factors contribute to John's demotivation:

• Work Conditions

• John feels undervalued & unappreciated for his efforts.

• Lack of Growth

• There are no opportunities for growth within the company and limited skill advancement.

• The Work Itself

• John's manager is very strict & has created a culture of constant competition within the team, which has affected trust and collaboration.

• Relationships

• His team has been overwhelmed with work & the company refuses to hire more software engineers.

• Lack of Recognition

• His coding tasks are very monotonous & repetitive, leaving him bored & uninspired.

Answer explanation

Hygiene Factors:
- Work conditions: the team is overwhelmed and has been denied additional support

- Relationships: the relationship between the team members and with their manager has negatively affected collaboration.

Motivational Factors:

• - The work itself: John's coding tasks are very repetitive and uninspiring. John is not passionate about the tasks that are assigned to him.

• - Lack of recognition: John is not given feedback or recognized for his achievements.

• - Lack of growth opportunities: John cannot climb up the career ladder within the company and has no opportunities to develop his skills and take on new responsibilities.