Snow Must Settle to Become Ice
Winter is upon us, bringing with it freezing weather, we are reminded of the natural process by which snow transforms into ice, a change that occurs gradually and only under the right conditions.
Winter is upon us, bringing with it freezing weather, we are reminded of the natural process by which snow transforms into ice, a change that occurs gradually and only under the right conditions.
In much the same way, our efforts to develop and implement initiatives to truly take hold, we must acknowledge that meaningful change requires an environment where things can mature and settle.
Without careful guidance, our visions or strategies risk melting away—just like snow under the slightest bit of heat or pressure.
It requires an environment where things can develop and stabilise. In our daily experience, this can be likened to culture. Similar to snow, a positive culture must be consistent to truly take hold and have lasting impact.
One example that comes to mind is from Peter Drucker which says that “culture eats strategy for breakfast”.
There will be times when rapid action is necessary. However, these tactics should not be the result of a knee-jerk reaction compromising long-term stability or undermining the culture needed to achieve the long-term goal.
Therefore, the underlying purpose of our actions, referred to as the “Why” in Ikigai, forms the foundation for achieving meaningful and sustainable long-term impact. This purpose influences everything we do as a community.
Short-term strategies are only there to serve long-term goals.
Driving rapid growth through tactical, short-term strategies without understanding the ‘Why’ is like trying to force snow to become ice before it’s ready. Although short-term gains may appear, they are invariably temporary and futile.
We should never lose sight of wood for the trees.
On the other hand, the settling snow represents the small, incremental, the unseen changes may not provide immediate gratification, but they are essential for long-term success. Perhaps the reason a significant number of businesses fail within their first year is why even the Big Four management consulting firms have been emphasizing resilience and developing strategies to achieve it.
Similar to BONCs four fundamental objectives. The pillars underpinning its very. Its “raison d’etre.
Just as snow is formed from rainfall that comes from above, a culture of trust, transparency in the decision-making process with accountability at the right place is necessary to drive the culture.