You are on a river.
You are at the mercy of the undeniable force of the currents below. It’s hard to see where these currents came from and even more difficult to see where they are going. What you do know is that you’re hurtling down grade 5 rapids at breakneck speeds, dodging obstacles, picking the right line, trying to navigate safely to the next section of the river.
You must also contend with the ever-shifting climate, either the wind at your back, pushing you on or the storm that means you must change course. Or more often than not, both at the same time.
But you are not alone, you have a crew aboard.
You are responsible for reading the river, taking in cues from the environment, assessing your collective capabilities, knowing the tolerances of your vessel and plotting the best path forward.
And as the conditions change you are responsible for choosing, retaining, developing and guiding your crew. You are responsible for making the necessary changes to your vessel.
And just as importantly you are responsible for yourself. Are you in the best possible state to lead? Are you learning, growing and thriving?
The difference between getting the above right and failing to do so is the difference between a fun, exhilarating, meaningful adventure of growth, and a terrifying, stressful, dangerous ordeal.
This is the reality of leading the organisations of the future.