Have you ever heard about Ken Stornes the Norwegian jumper who shattered the world record by diving into the water from a staggering 40 meters? It's been all over social media and the news lately, but there's more to this feat than just a breathtaking plunge.
What caught our attention was the simple act of him throwing a stone into the water before taking the leap. Why would he do that? Well, it turns out that throwing the stone isn't just a quirky ritual—it's a strategic leadership move to break the surface tension of the water. By doing so, he softens the impact, making his entry into the water less jarring and painful.
Think about it: in our own corporate leadership journeys, how often have we had the chance to "soften" our landing in the initiatives we undertake? Just like the jumper, sometimes we need to find creative ways to break through the surface tension of challenges, making our impact smoother and more effective.
Strategically Approaching High-Impact Initiatives
In the context of executive roles and responsibilities, the analogy of "softening" the landing in initiatives can be particularly relevant. Executives are tasked with leading high-stakes initiatives that can significantly impact their organizations. These initiatives may involve entering new markets, launching innovative products, or restructuring key operations.
Much like the high diver carefully prepares before taking the plunge, we, too, must engage in thorough analysis and planning before embarking on these endeavors so as to ensure the success of our strategic initiatives.
Understanding the landscape, identifying potential challenges, and assessing the readiness of our teams and resources are crucial steps in ensuring a successful outcome. Our goal is to navigate our initiatives with precision and foresight, mitigating risks and maximizing opportunities along the way.
5 Business Strategies for Reducing Initiative Risks
In the world of business, as in high-diving, the manner in which we approach our initiatives can greatly affect our success. Here are five strategic insights inspired by the high diver's stone throw that can help executives make a softer landing with new initiatives:
Business Strategy 1: Surface Analysis
Just as the diver assesses the water's surface before diving, executives should analyze the landscape of their initiatives. Understanding the current state of affairs, potential obstacles, and market conditions is crucial for a successful entry.
Business Strategy 2: Impact Mitigation
By throwing the stone, the diver mitigates the impact of his dive. Similarly, executives should identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to reduce the negative effects of their initiatives. This could involve scenario planning, risk assessments, or contingency plans.
Business Strategy 3: Softening Resistance
The stone disrupts the water's surface tension, making it easier for the diver to enter. In business, executives can soften resistance by building alliances, communicating effectively, and garnering support from stakeholders. This can help smooth the path for the initiative's implementation.
Business Strategy 4: Precision Timing
The diver's timing is crucial—he needs to throw the stone at the right moment for maximum impact. Similarly, executives should carefully time the launch of their initiatives, taking into account market conditions, competitor actions, and internal readiness. A well-timed initiative is more likely to succeed.
Business Strategy 5: Strategic Execution
Finally, the diver's jump requires skillful execution to ensure a safe and successful landing. Similarly, executives must execute their initiatives with precision and agility, adapting to changing circumstances and leveraging opportunities as they arise.

Steve Jobs, the co-founder and former CEO of Apple Inc., exemplified strategic leadership mastery in his corporate leadership through these five key strategies. First, he conducted meticulous surface analysis, deeply understanding market trends and consumer behavior before launching new products. Second, he excelled in impact mitigation, swiftly addressing challenges like the iPhone 4's antenna issue or the launch of Apple Maps to minimize negative effects. Third, he was adept at softening resistance, building anticipation and excitement around Apple's products through captivating presentations and marketing. Fourth, he had a precise sense of timing, knowing when to introduce new innovations to maximize impact. Finally, he was renowned for his strategic leadership execution, demanding perfection in product design and user experience, ensuring Apple's offerings were executed with precision and excellence, setting a high standard for strategic leadership in the tech industry.
Reflecting on Strategic Leadership Thinking Lessons
In closing, let's take a moment to reflect on the lessons we've gleaned from the Norwegian jumper's stone throw. As executives and strategic thinkers, we are often faced with metaphorical "dives" into new initiatives, where the stakes are high and the margin for error is slim. By carefully analyzing the surface, mitigating impact, softening resistance, timing effectively, and executing with precision, we can increase our chances of success.
Consider the initiatives you're currently leading or planning to undertake. How can you apply these strategies to ensure a smoother landing? Are there areas where you can improve your approach to strategic thinking and execution? As you dive into the challenges ahead, remember the simple yet profound lesson from the high diver: sometimes, a small strategic leadership move can make all the difference between a fatal splash and a record-breaking dive.
As we continue on our strategic leadership journeys, may we find inspiration in the unlikely places, and may our leaps be guided by thoughtful analysis and strategic precision. Here's to making waves—strategically, of course.
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