Lessons from Skiing

Les Portes du Soleil, Switzerland, 4 Dec 2010Today, I enjoyed my first skiing day of the season. Great snow, great sun, great day.

When descending I realized again what is most important to keep control and, ultimately, to have real fun: Leaning forward – the steeper the descent the more. Even if this is truly counterintuitive it is the key technique to become a good skier. Two things happen:

• Physically, your weight in front allows you to control your speed.
• Mentally, by leaning your head forward you commit yourself to the descent.

Leaning backwards – done by most beginners – causes a bad balance and – more importantly – does not give yourself the confidence that you will master the descent: Your skis move but your brain says "Stop!"

There is a remarkable congruency to your business life as a leader: If you want to master a situation and lead the change then you should lean forward. The results:

• You control the process.
• You commit yourself to the change.
• You show to the others that you are willing and able to go ahead.

Think of this the next time when you tend to lean back and let things happen. Normally you will end up with your face in the snow.

Wish you a great winter season. Volkmar

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