VMCL Theory is a systems thinking approach to organizational leadership and design developed by Laura and Derek Cabrera.
It is predicated on the idea that four natural organizational functions can be leveraged to optimize emergent outcomes within a system. All organizations are complex adaptive systems characterized by the four inherent functions of vision, mission, capacity, and learning. Each function (or rule) is concisely defined below.
| V | Vision | The future you see. This is NOT your grandma’s vision statement. In Chapter 2, you’ll learn that defining your vision—your desired future state—is precise, demanding, and ultimately rewarding work. We will show you how to align all aspects of your organization to bring about this future, so your vision needs to be motivating, simple, and measurable. |
| M | Mission | The actions you take, repeatedly, to bring about your vision. In Chapter 3, we’ll make sure you are not putting together a hackneyed hodgepodge of biz speak. Your mission statements will be clear, concise, and measurable.
Capacity (C): The systems that provide readiness to execute mission. We will examine how to measure the organizational capacity required to execute your vision day in and day out. |
| C | Capacity | The systems that provide readiness to execute mission. We will examine how to measure the organizational capacity required to execute your vision day in and day out. |
| L | Learning | Continuous modification of mental models based on feedback from the external environment. |
References
- Cabrera, L., & Cabrera, D. (2022). Adaptive Leadership for Agile Organizations.
- https://blog.cabreraresearch.org/simple-rules-organizations