San*
Transformation
‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ (Lao Tzu)
Published in August 2022 by Susann Naomi Israel
The picture was taken on July 10, a very hot day in Zurich, Switzerland. My partner and I decided to escape the heat and to embark onto the famous trail walk from Schwägalp (1’287 m.a.s.l.) to the top of Mount Säntis (2’502 m.a.s.l.). While the general direction and the destination were clear, we were less aware and had to swiftly adopt to the increasingly stony, steep, rocky, partly iced, and windy paths. We got also surprised by the cold temperature when approaching the mountain top (merely 8 degrees Celsius). It was hard work, but – despite not seeing a thing due to foggy conditions – it was worth it! Days after, I kept reflecting on the multi-hour ascent and descent, and the memory of my muscle pain still makes me smile.
True transformation in our roles as leaders, employees, and change agents can be hard work. The more curious and resilient we embrace it, the better we are ready to cope with the perceived complexity of change. It allows us to apply an open, less anxious, positive mindset. Or as my Japanese mum used to encourage me throughout childhood and adolescence: “Ganbatte, Naomi-chan”, meaning “don’t give up” or “do your best”.
‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ (Lao Tzu)
Why did I repeatedly share above saying, that originates from a Chinese proverb, with fellow colleagues, mentees, and stakeholders? Because it is one of my most important life mottos, one that has guided me through diverse life and career stages. Colleagues whom I have had the pleasure to work with in Germany, South Korea, Singapore, and Switzerland may remember situations, when we together embarked on a major “trail walk” (= transformation project). Sharing it emphasises and demonstrates togetherness to achieve the aspired shared vision. It encourages the hearts to move forward as a team, regardless of seemingly unsurmountable challenges and surprises along the “trail” (= change journey).
Choose the right running mates (= consultants and coaches for change)
Too many transformations and change projects fail as the system complexity, human dynamics, and organisation culture aspects are underestimated. What can we do about it? – Choose the right team of internal and external resources, enable them to bond and trust each other, and empower them to cover the full scope of change. Both external and internal needs of self and system must be addressed. Take it step by step and not end the project, nor declare victory, prematurely.
Quoting an extract of Barack Obama in A Promised Land, where he reflects on his first weeks in the White House: “… It was as if, having ascended the face of a big mountain, I now found myself looking out over a series of successively more perilous peaks – while realising that I had twisted an ankle, bad weather was coming, and I’d used up half my supplies. … Suck it up, I told myself. Tighten your laces. Cut your rations.” (Barack Obama, 2020: 266).
* “San” is the Japanese word for “three”. San is my third blog post, following “Ichi – Self-Awareness” and “Ni – Creative Spaces”.
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