Chaos is a Gift: Leading Oneself in Times of Uncertain and Complex Environment

Summary

In times of organizational chaos, we look to leaders to guide us with focus, clarity, and calmness. From a global pandemic, economic crisis, and deepening socio-political discourse leaders have faced a constant barrage of chaos and uncertainty. How does a leader deal with turbulent issues in today's rapid fast-changing environment? How does a leader apply one's unique leadership composition to the organizational uncertainty and chaos of the day? How do you lead oneself during times of uncertain and complex public and private sector situations? How does a leader lead with little to no authority in a fluid and unpredictable context? Research shows that leading and leadership in today's organizations where events are disruptive, uncertain, and fluid requires new approaches and a different mindset. This editorial scholarship explores not only theoretical leadership constructs and experiences of public and private servants in uncertain and complex environments but also presents innovative leadership frameworks for future leaders. Given the rapid technological changes and impact of COVID 19 on the operational environment, this research is urgently needed for business and leadership scholar-practitioners to understand how organizational chaos from uncertain and complex situations is a gift.