CHAPTER 4Lead with an Engagement Edge
In the North Sea, an oil platform caught fire and was burning fast. On it was a lone worker. He had a decision to make: stay and face certain death or jump and face probable death.
Leaders often call upon the burning platform when they want to create a sense of urgency. And while they might not know the original story behind the metaphor, the metaphors we use are important.
But beware of the burning platform.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU INVOKE THE BURNING PLATFORM
When managers invoke the burning platform, it sounds like this: “If we don’t make this change, we will have to close our doors in six months” or “If we don’t get the new product in three months, our competitors will eat our lunch” or “If you want to have ...
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