On Saturday morning, July 20th, I competed alongside 225 fellow athletes in a 3-mile frigid Colorado mountain lake swim. When I wasn't panicking about the temperature or whether I was going straight or in circles, I was formulating these five (plus a bonus) vital lessons on leadership and organizational change, inspired by my 97-minute journey through the deep:
1) Milestones as Beacons of Hope
In the vast openness of a chilly lake, the buoys weren't practical; they were beacons of hope, guiding swimmers through uncertain waters (and the only thing I had to confirm I was heading in the right direction, generally speaking). Similarly, in the ever-shifting seas of organizational change, clear milestones light our way, ensuring we swim toward meaningful outcomes rather than floundering in the deep.
2) Embracing Feedback with Grace
My tendency to veer off course due to my stronger right arm served as a quiet reminder of our natural imbalances. Just as I needed to adjust my course to stay true to my path, organizations must regularly evaluate their strategies and operations to ensure they remain aligned with their objectives, making adjustments as necessary.
3) External Perspectives: Nurturing Guidance
The stand-up paddle boarders that floated along the outer boarder of the swim path provided an external frame of reference that was invaluable for keeping me aligned with my goal. In business, external consultants or advisors can play a similar role. They provide perspectives that might be overlooked internally, helping guide the organization through uncharted waters by spotting misalignments or opportunities from a vantage point not mired in internal biases.
4) Acclimating to the New
Just as I acclimated to the lake's chilly and choppy embrace, organizations must adapt to new environments and cultures, especially during transformative changes. This adaptation is about leveraging familiar skills in new ways, much like using my practiced swimming techniques in the unfamiliar conditions of the lake.
5) Strategic Energy Management
Managing my energy throughout the swim was crucial, especially when unexpected challenges like choppy waves arose. My Apple watch was a critical component in this, providing me key tracking data I used to adjust my strategy. In business, understanding when to conserve energy and when to surge forward is essential—much like knowing when to embrace the calm and when to battle the currents.
BONUS: The Collective Journey
Though the waters were crowded, the shared journey brought a comforting sense of solidarity. Similarly, navigating through organizational change is a collective endeavor. While we must manage our individual needs, the shared experience between leaders and impacted employees often brings strength and camaraderie. It's up to us to nurture and grow that critical sentiment, and use it as fuel for the path forward.
Just as swimming in that cold mountain lake required adaptability, strategic thinking, and community support, so too does navigating organizational change. These lessons from the water are invaluable for anyone leading their team through the evolving landscapes of business.
Ready to put these lessons into action? Here's how:
Take the Plunge: Whether you're at the helm of a startup or managing a team within a large corporation, dare to dive deep. Embrace the uncertainty as you would the cold waters of a new challenge.
Set Your Course: Define clear milestones and celebrate each achievement. This will not only motivate your team but also provide a sense of direction amidst the chaos of change.
Seek External Beacons: Just as a swimmer relies on signs from the shore or guidance from a coach, seek wisdom from mentors and insights from outside your immediate circle. Fresh perspectives can prevent you from swimming in circles.
Adapt and Overcome: Stay flexible. Be agile. The ability to adapt to new environments is crucial, just as I learned to adjust my stroke and pace to the conditions of the lake.
Conserve Then Conquer: Manage your resources wisely. Know when to conserve energy and when to push forward, applying this strategy to both your personal endeavors and your business tactics.
Stay Connected: For more insights and updates on navigating change, follow me here or on LinkedIn! I look forward to hearing your stories of change :)
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