The business world is a terrain as unpredictable as any wilderness setting, and lessons in experiential learning prepare leaders to not just survive but thrive in a world of constant evolution. The crucible of the wilderness becomes a melting pot for forging adaptable leaders for tomorrow.
India’s business landscape is a panorama of opportunities and relentless change, from ever-evolving technological advancements and the looming haunt of inflation to the unpredictable disruptions of a globalised market. As Indian industries face a constant fusillade of challenges, managing businesses effectively in this dynamic environment demands a new breed of leaders who are not just competent but adaptable. Such leaders are increasingly playing critical roles in driving innovation and growth for Indian companies. However, cultivating adaptability among business leaders has been a constant challenge. Here’s where experiential programs emerge as game-changers!
Imagine a group of executives not hunched over spreadsheets but navigating a rugged mountain trail in the wilderness. Clad in sturdy hiking boots away from the clatter of keyboards, I walked on gravel along a rushing stream. Do not mistake it for a vacation or a mere adventure outing, it’s a crucible where one’s adaptability is shaped. The faces, usually etched with the strain of deadlines and boardroom battles, now exude excitement and apprehension. Ahead, the trail climbs steeply, disappearing into a dense forest. A fallen log creates a precarious obstacle, forcing them to strategise – should they attempt to climb over, find a detour, or work together to move it? This is a microcosm of the challenges they will face throughout the program, pushing them outside their comfort zones and carving out crucial leadership skills.
Unlike the confines of a classroom, experiential programs take individuals eyeing leadership roles on a journey—literally and figuratively. The executives in the wilderness rely on teamwork, ingenuity, and communication to overcome obstacles. Such programs force participants to become adaptable to the situation at hand, think creatively, solve problems on the fly, and collaborate effectively—the crucial and desirable skills for the ever-changing business milieu.
Beyond the hike
The learning doesn’t end on the trail. Once back in the boardroom, experienced facilitators guide participants in debriefing sessions. These sessions help translate the wilderness experiences into tangible leadership lessons that can be practically applied for better team cohesion and facilitate productivity. Executives gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, resulting in self-awareness, a critical trait for effective leaders.
Emotional intelligence, a core ingredient of adaptable leadership, is another major takeaway from such programs. Participants learn interpersonal dynamics, build trust amidst adversity, and inspire each other during uncertain times. Research highlights the effectiveness of wilderness experiences in rendering “authentic leadership” that emphasises empathy and genuine connections with colleagues. Proximity to nature also encourages the culture of experimentation. You can test new (read, innovative) approaches to address a situation and then use the learnings to recalculate risks—a critical aspect of innovation in today’s dynamic market scenario. Experimentation allows companies to unlock a wellspring of groundbreaking ideas, propelling them ahead of the competition.
The imperative of adaptability
The modern business landscape is, at best, volatile. Inflationary pressures are forcing companies to re-evaluate cost structures and pricing strategies; technological advancements demand a culture of continuous learning and adaptation; and diverse workforces and evolving customer expectations necessitate a leadership style that demonstrates inclusion and flexibility. Traditional leadership models are predictable and, at times, rigid. They fail to sail through the choppy waters of modern business. Adaptable leadership, as opposed to rigidity, embraces change as a constant companion. It empowers leaders to break down complexity, cultivating a perception of innovation and resilience. This resonates with the findings in Louis Baron and Élise Parent’s study on authentic leadership development, which points out the importance of the “individual development process” to thrive in today’s evolving environment.
While the specifics may vary across industries, adaptable leadership rests on three key qualities, including:
Agility: Adaptable leaders are nimble in their thinking and actions. They can quickly assess changing circumstances, identify emerging trends, and adjust strategies accordingly.
Openness to feedback: They are receptive to diverse perspectives and quickly learn from mistakes.
Embracing experimentation: Leaders keen on experimentation create space for calculated risks in order to facilitate exploration, in turn creating a culture of innovation and acceptance.
Contrary to what may be believed, experiential programs are not just about ticking the boxes; they are about transformation. By stepping out of the boardroom into the unknown, leaders develop the agility, openness, and resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape. This investment in leadership development isn’t just about individual growth, it helps companies equip themselves with the leadership capital needed to thrive in an unpredictable world while unlocking the potential that will enable them to navigate the rapids of progress.
(The author, Diganta Biswas, is the founding partner of Peak IX Consulting.)
