All five of us jumped into the lake and started swimming for the floating dock, about 300 metres away. Every stroke was purposeful and strong. We were locked-in on our destination.
A few minutes into the swim I looked up, and the current had pushed us off course. After a short moment to assess the situation and some encouraging words, we increased our efforts pushing harder and faster. We were making progress. Or so I thought.
When I looked up again, after all that extra effort, it seemed we were no further ahead. The current was too strong in the other direction. We were fighting the current and it had exhausted us.
We changed our route to navigate the strong current. Which meant that we needed to change our swimming style (from a front crawl to a more energy saving and relaxing breast stroke). Which meant it took us twice as long to get to our destination. Our words of encouragement along the way became a source irritation to a point we all stopped talking.
By the time we got to our destination our tanks were empty. We were slightly annoyed with each other and not eager to get back into the water.
The current is a metaphor for organizational culture. It is the driving force of every organization – strong and powerful, pushing the organization in one direction.
When the culture is pointed towards the destination, great things happen quickly. However when the current is going in the opposite direction of the destination it creates frustration, burnout, conflict and resentment.
Every organization as a current but not every current is moving in the same direction as their destination.
Which direction is your current flowing?