From Anticipation to Poise

October 1, 2009 by · Comments Off 

Its encouraging to read about emerging change leadership models where the emphasis is shifted from reaction to anticipation. But I think poised for change is a better approach than anticipation of change, and my daily rowing provides a great metaphor for why.
Picture 13

The photo shows the rowers at what is typically called the catch, when the oars go into the water at the right time and place, and in the right way, relative to many variables, all of which are continually changing. Doing it right used to mean anticipating the rowing catch. Our coach Gordon’s approach is more current and cutting edge. Gordon doesn’t call it the catch, which implies “something to do”, but calls it the entry, for which you need only to be poised.

That poise requires stability, stillness, relaxation and deep breathing in addition to the obvious physical strength, conditioning, technique and training required to excel at rowing. Anticipation is contraindicated because it translates to “make it happen” and results in interference with the natural laws of motion and force involved in the rowing stroke. The more you anticipate, the less efficiently you move the boat. Poise, on the other hand, is a “let it happen” approach, through which the rower naturally and positively influences boat speed.

Gordon coaches us to be still and quiet and let the riggers glide past us. Practicing this “non-resistance” rowing technique, I often think of meta physician Florence Scovel Shinn’s truth statement: “Man must live suspended in the moment.”

Anyone in a change leadership position, from the solo service provider to the CEO of large organization will more efficiently direct business response to change by shifting from an anticipatory to a poised state. But it doesn’t work if its just a role, no matter how seriously its played. Poise, and its underlying qualities and requirements need to be embodied in order to create natural influence as a change leader.

Recently, I mentioned to Gordon that my improved confidence comes from consistency through hundreds of miles of practice. And that poise and consistency has made me more competitive, not less. The only thing that’s lessened is the stress that previously accompanied my competitive rowing and racing.

Are you creating stress and resistance in yourself and others to gain or maintain competitive advantage? Suffering is always the best indicator of the need for a shift from “make it happen” to “let it happen”.

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Filed under: alignment, change leadership, metaphor, Metaphysics, Natural influence, rowing, self-awareness, shift
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