What can we learn from explorers as we navigate today’s world?

Like most people, I have been shocked by the impact of the global pandemic. The scale and speed of the change has left us all scrambling to make sense of it all. 

To repeat a phrase I heard recently  “the world is being held to ransom by a microscopic microbe” The problem is the ransom is not a fixed price. It changes with each case and tragic death, each economic forecast, each news cycle. How do we pay the price when we are not sure what the price is?

I believe we can learn much from the way explorers go about their business. An explorer is defined as someone who travels to places in order to find out what is there. Willingly or unwillingly, we are all being asked to become explorers at the moment. To find out “what is there”. 

There are many attributes and tools that contribute to the competence of the explorer. Here are three that I think are worth thinking about as we wrestle with what the future has to bring.   

Mindset 

Explorers are venturing into the unknown. There are no books, maps and charts, no roadmap. There is no perfect, they are the first, defining the reality for others to follow.  This demands a curious mix of courage, commitment and humility. Courage to take on greater levels of risk, commitment because it is going to be hard going and humility to recognise that they are not in control.

Guiding principles 

Whether in an individual or team context, explorers need a set of simple rules that define behaviour. The best guiding principles speed up decision making and build trust. They are about turning intention into action and action into results. They are not meant to be everlasting. On the contrary, they are time and project bound and shaped by the operating environment.     

Seize the moment

The best explorers have an uncanny ability to regulate pace. To slow down or speed up, to strive for consensus or make a captain's call. In this way even a long expedition can be broken down into smaller objectives that can be recognised and celebrated. 

I have been lucky enough to have been on many explorations, some more successful than others! When I think back on the most successful ones, the memorable ones, they were with colleagues and friends that demonstrated the above. 

I would love to hear what you think is required to explore our fast changing and uncertain future.