The Way of the Walker

"Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar."

"Walker, there is no path. The path is made by walking."

As a scout, Antonio Machado's wisdom lit up my journey. Back then, as a young "caminante" (explorer scout), its depth was a mystery. Now, guiding organizations through the twists of change, its truth resonates more than ever.

Yearning for a clear path ahead before stepping out is natural. Yet, we often get caught in planning's tight grip, trying to predict and navigate every possible challenge before starting. But this cautious approach misses a crucial insight about change: the path reveals itself as we walk, not as we wait. It's in the uncertainty of the journey that we truly discover our potential.

Creating something new or changing the current way things are isn't about detailed plans made in advance. It's about moving forward into the unknown. Through action, reflection, and then, with fresh insights, taking the next step. This cycle moves us from the familiar into new territories, from today into tomorrow.

I recently stumbled upon an old journal from my days hiking the mountains of Thailand with my scout friends. Without a map and only a compass, our path was unclear, each step a venture into the unknown, mirroring life's unpredictable journey. At some point, we found ourselves at a U-shaped valley's edge. The other side was out of sight, hiding just around the bend. The only way to uncover the path was to continue the journey, to step into the valley and explore its curves. With every step, the view changed, revealing paths and perspectives we could never see from the start. It was a thrilling and enlightening experience.

A journey into the unknown demands courage, an openness to uncertainty, and a commitment to continuous learning and adapting. It means being okay with not having all the answers and trusting the discovery process. The key to navigating the complexity of changing systems and organizations is this lively dance between doing and reflecting.

For us, the leaders, innovators, and agents of change, the task is to develop the agility to take that initial step, even when the end is not in sight. To trust our ability to deal with surprises and learn from every turn. Transformation is not a straight line; it's an adventure filled with learning, setbacks, and triumphs. It reminds us that in walking, we not only find but also forge the path.

I invite all of us to adopt this mindset as we face our next changes. The path ahead is ours to create with our actions. Step forward bravely, eager to see where the journey leads, knowing that our steps bring the path to life.

"Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar."