Mastering transformation: the alpinists' attitude

Goal and objectives

The alpinists’ goal is quite straight forward and difficult to divert from: reaching the top. The objectives are always clear: precise period driven by weather conditions, precise time target carefully planned. Sadly, many transformations fall short due to imprecise goals and/or objectives. It is quite difficult to reach what was not defined. Clear, validated goals and objectives are key. 

Resource limitation

Scarcity of grocery shops at 4000 meters forces alpinists to survive with the supplies they are able to carry. Many transformations insanely exceed the targeted budget or end up nowhere as not able to complete the plan. Quality modelization along with sharp control is key.

Time constraint

Limited with the resource constraints as well as the human body's ability to cope with exhausting activity, low sleep, freezing temperature and low oxygen, the alpinist’s display a quite annoying tendency to stick to the plan despite unexpected challenges. Sound , realistic  planning is key.

Planning and preparation

Coping with the resource limitation, time constraint, and probably with the willingness to avoid dying during the climb, alpinists come up with an incredibly detailed, accurate planning and preparation. Anticipation and readiness are key.

Collaboration

While climbing at thousands of meters tied together by a rope, trust and collaboration are not optional. Everyone has a role and survival means working together and helping each other. Adding to the fact that the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer would not appreciate the team letting the wounded member die in the freeze, collaboration is the only way to execute a plan impacting all. The project goal must come prior to  any other agenda.

Stress management

While performing a life or death climb, losing lucidity and common sense is not really a viable option. This is because organizational transformations are always anxiogenic that calm and wise behaviour is required. Caring for the team is key.

Timely critical decision making

Despite perfect preparation and due to exogenous factors such as unpredictable changing weather conditions, alpinists are often facing crisis situations. When time is essence and life is at stake regardless of the difficulty of the decision it has to be made fast based on all available data. Organization transformations bring their surprise as well. Experts’ advice and decision committees might be required but the decision must be clear and fast. Courage and accountability are key.

Are comfort and luxury the enemies of creativity and accountability, as French philosophers suggested centuries ago? Interesting paradox when organizational transformations aim at improving performance through better ergonomics and reduced effort, with increased wealth and luxury as a result.

But God is not dead. I conducted many successful transformations activating the dormant desire of blossoming challenge… often with the promise of a more comfortable future. 

* AI generated pictures