Forging Mechanism

Forging is a manufacturing process involving the shaping of metal using compressive forces. It is also the creation of something strong, enduring, and successful.

I have always been a fan of the concept of forcing mechanisms. I realised that a subtle change to the wording was both more positive and more powerful for me and for challengers looking to unlock true capability.

So, a forging mechanism is a performance accelerator. It is a catalyst for accelerated growth; an antidote for procrastination, and a platform for inspiration. A forging mechanism is an opportunity disguised as an optional obstacle. More often than not it is the right way rather than the easy way.

When I opted to attempt a PhD in performance leadership back in 2010, I knew that the learning journey would be long and lonely. I have yet to complete that journey but I have already been forged exponentially by submitting to the process. What is interesting is that the addition of a commitment of the magnitude of this optional challenge, forged me to be more effective with a range of other deliverables over the last decade. In addition, the learning along the way has been directly relevant to my professional role.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a forging mechanism for us all. There have undoubtedly been compressive forces. What has yet to be fully appreciated is how the experience has shaped our perspectives, and how it may have unlocked latent capability. Remember, diamonds are made under pressure. A forging mechanism turns a lump of coal into something of extraordinary value.

“The strongest sword is forged in the hottest fire!” – Nyssa al Ghul

At Exceed, as we adapted to a virtual workplace in 2020, I can look back and join the dots to where we are now supporting numerous remote scopes of work. Whenever there was a webinar speaking part to embrace, or a podcast to guest on, I seized it. When presenters were sought I volunteered. If I was asked if I could speak to a group I said yes. Those were all forging mechanisms to create new content, to connect, and to accelerate collective learning with the collaboration tools available. By signing up for one speaking part, I was building confidence for the others. Now I am in a position to share what we have learned.

Today I read a resonant article from Robert Glazer about disrupting the decline when learning-mastery is reached for a task, a team, or a topic. Further S-curve research brought me to Whitney Johnson who wrote the book Disrupt Yourself which ties in with my forging reference. To prevent an improvement plateau from becoming a death-slide we need to continue to engage with challenge. Disruption is necessary. Before that though, we can inspire our potential or that of others, to accelerate our arrival at a level of consistent performance by controlling the controllables and removing interference.

 

A great forging mechanism on all drilling campaigns I have been privileged to support has been the weekly lessons discussion which brings office-based leaders together with frontline supervisors. This session is not always enjoyable and can sometimes be uncomfortable, however, it promotes transparency, truth, and trust within the team. That leads to improvement, it accelerates learning, but it also brings the team together faster.

Overlaying the learning curve on the team-growth curve, and adding the lessons-closure curve along with the concept of “interference”, we can see that leaders and performance practitioners can accelerate team improvement through the optimisation of learning discipline, the removal of unnecessary interference, and the inspiration of potential to achieve consistent excellence. Disruption is required to prevent a decline…

“If you get to the top of the mountain, find a bigger mountain!” – Fearless Motivation

I have written before about physical adversity as a metaphor for the challenges of life. Tough workouts are micro mechanisms for forging further resilience. The daily workout of the day from a CrossFit Box is constantly varied and provides adversity which stimulates not just physical growth, but mental fortitude as well. Whatever exercise you prefer, forge yourself by changing up the challenge.

CrossFit Inc runs an annual “Open” competition for all age-groups which I always enter because it is a focus and forging mechanism. The mere act of signing up, paying the fee, and committing to the competition inspires more effort and determination which in turn builds strength and confidence. There is some anxiety but there is also the possibility of a breakthrough. That came for me this year as I made it through to the next stage of qualification. This is another forging mechanism which will bring pressure, pain, but more importantly, PROGRESS! Interestingly the CrossFit statement is “Forging Elite Fitness”; very true.

In summary, a forging mechanism is like a forcing mechanism in that it drives ownership and harnesses commitment, however, it also hints at what is possible if adverse, compressive forces are confronted and overcome. A forging mechanism builds resilience, endurance, and strength. Pushing our limits allows us to unlock our potential.

Seize the day, and seize the daunting opportunities which will accelerate your journey to mastery.