Calm Waters vs. Rapid Water: A Presentation on Leadership and Change

This presentation compares two distinct approaches to leadership: 'Calm Waters' and 'Rapid Water'. The 'Calm Waters' approach, often associated with traditional organizational structures, is likened to a ship navigating predictable seas. It references Kurt Lewin's work, including his timeline, key contributions like experiential learning and group dynamics, and his model of change, unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. Conversely, the 'Rapid Water' approach, views organizations as navigating a dynamic, ever-changing environment, similar to a raft on a raging river. It emphasizes the constant need for adaptation and the importance of reacting quickly to unexpected events. The presentation highlights the contrasting characteristics of these leadership styles, offering insights into their applicability in different organizational contexts. The presentation is created using Slidesgo, Flaticon, and Freepik.

Blue Calm Water
VS
White Rapid Water

CONCEPT 1
Blue Calm Water
CONCEPT 2
White Rapid Water

“Blue Calm waters”
A description of traditional practices in
and theories about organizations that
likens the organization to a large ship
making a predictable trip across a calm
sea and experiencing an occasional
storm

● Born on September 9, 1890.
● 1914 - Joined the German army
● 1916 - Awarded a Ph.D. from the University of
Berlin
● 1921 - Became a lecturer at the Psychological
Institute of the University of Berlin.
● 1933 - Emigrated to the United States.
● 1935 - Became a professor at the University of
Iowa; published A Dynamic Theory of
Personality.
● 1944 - Established research center at MIT.
● Died at age 56 on February 12, 1947 of a heart
attack.
Timeline of Events
Kurt Lewin’s

● Experiential learning
● Field Theory
● Group dynamics
● Considered the founder of modern
social psychology
Best Known For
Kurt Lewin’s

Change in “Calm Waters”
Unfreezing Implementation
of change
Refreezing

“White Rapid
Water”
A description of the organization as a
small raft navigating a raging river

White Rapid Water
● Change is constant in a dynamic environment.
● The only certainty is continuing uncertainty.
● Competitive advantages do not last.
● Managers must quickly and properly react to
unexpected events.
● Be alert to problems and opportunities

CREDITS: This presentation template was created
by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon, and
infographics & images by Freepik.
Thanks!