The metaphor
The ridge metaphor was inspired by our time
spent in the mountains[^1]. Walking or climbing a ridge line can be very
exciting, but also quite terrifying. What makes walking on a ridge
exciting (or terrifying) is the exposure and the connected risk of
falling. The bigger the exposure and risk, the higher the emotional
reward if we successfully manage the climb. Being exposed makes you feel
alive. You are totally in the moment, your body produces adrenaline,
nothing else matters.
The difference between being excited and terrified is based on how well
your skills match the difficulty of the terrain. What can feel like a
walk in the park for the experienced mountaineer can be way past the
comfort zone for a couch potato. Important to note here is that (i)
mountaineering skills can be trained, (ii) you have to know your skill
level and match it to the terrain, and (iii) be aware of the risk.
Misjudging the situation can end badly. Another aspect of walking a
ridge is that it is normally a limited distance. Keeping up the focus
required to safely get across is taxing. In order not to get too
exhausted one has to mix time spent on the ridge with time spent on less
difficult terrain.
- Can you remember a situation where you put yourself in an exposed
position (in sports, romance, gambling, work) and successfully got
through? How did it feel during and after?
- Do you like being on the ridge? If so, what do you like about it? If
not, why don\'t you like it?
### The Culture Context
Working in a culture centre often involves risk and exposure. You commit
to challenging projects with hairy reporting, take responsibility for a
shaky budget, or take the lead in a new performance. You can also feel
exposed in your team or towards the authorities.
In our view, exposure and risk are integral parts of the experience of
our work in culture. They provide the salt, the seriousness, the
excitement. However, being in these situations can also wear you out, if
you are not aware of the risk or if your skills don't match the terrain.
- When and where are you exposed at work? How makes up your personal
ridges?
- What is the reward after you have mastered an exposed situation at
work?
- What are the skills and conditions needed for exposure to positively
impact you?
- How long can you handle exposure?
- Do you know people that were exposed for too long?
- Can you be not exposed enough?
A ridge is like the edge of a knife[, just with rock instead of
steel, and maybe not as sharp.]
