For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been talking about our unstable VUCA world: Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. I’m replacing each letter with something which helps us to navigate even though we feel uncomfortable.

V was for Values, U was for Uplift, and C is for … Commitment.

Because getting through difficult times takes fortitude. Commitment.

I’m sure you struggle, though, with WHAT to remain committed to. If you’re headed for a train wreck, clearly SOME kind of change is warranted. But how much and which direction?

It’s all so confusing!

That’s why I go back to starting with your values. If they’re really solid, staying committed to them really helps you and your whole team. “No matter what happens here, I need to let you know that you can always count on my for ________. Always.”

Then you work your way into vision, purpose, and mission. Whatever you’re using as your direction-setting mechanism, figure out HOW MUCH it needs to change. You may be pleased to find that fundamental shifts in direction aren’t that common. Usually it’s tweaks and adjustments.

If you can find chunks which aren’t changing, let people know that they’re safe to remain committed to those. You’re trying to help them through their initial fight-or-flight-or-freeze response that I talked about last time.

And most important, keep your commitment to remain sane and help people through times of change. You may just find that one of your personal values is to “always do the best I can for my people.”