Our Iceberg Is Melting

Our Iceberg Is Melting is a simple story about doing well under the stress and uncertainty of rapid change. Based on the award-winning work of Harvard Business School’s John Kotter, it can help you and your colleagues thrive during tough times.

In this business management fable, one penguin notices something problem that could become a big problem for the whole colony, but the other penguins don’t want to listen, so he must convince and enlist the help of others to get something done.

The characters in the story – Fred, Alice, Louis, Buddy, the Professor, and NoNo – are like people you probably recognize in your own organization, including yourself. Their tale is one of resistance to change and heroic action, seemingly intractable obstacles, and clever tactics for dealing with those obstacles. The penguins offer an inspiring model as we all struggle to adapt to new circumstances.

Buddy was offered a number of more important jobs. He turned them all down, but helped the Leadership Council find other good candidates. His lack of ambition came to be seen as great humility. The birds loved him even more.

Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber is a unique and accessible fable that aims to convey change management principles in a simple and engaging way. Based on John Kotter’s pioneer­ing research into the eight steps that can produce needed change, the book presents the story of a group of penguins facing a melting iceberg as an allegory for organizational change, providing readers with valuable insights into navigating and embracing change in their own lives and workplaces.

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to present complex concepts in a relatable and entertaining manner. The use of anthropomorphized penguins and their journey to save their habitat adds an element of charm and makes the subject matter more approachable, particularly for those who may not be familiar with change management theories.

The authors effectively highlight the challenges and resistance that often accompany change, as well as the importance of effective leadership, collaboration, and innovation in successfully managing change. The book offers practical strategies and lessons through the experiences of the penguins, making it accessible and applicable to a wide range of readers.

However, some readers may find the fable format overly simplistic, with limited depth and analysis of the complexities of change management. While the book serves as a good introduction to the topic, it may leave some readers wanting more in-depth exploration and concrete examples from real-world organizations.

In conclusion, Our Iceberg Is Melting is a valuable resource for those seeking a light and engaging introduction to change management principles. While it may lack the depth and complexity of more comprehensive books on the subject, its accessibility and relatable storytelling make it a worthwhile read for individuals or teams looking to better understand and navigate the challenges of change.