by Hilary Ashmen, M.Ed., Adult Learning Consultant

Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and succeeding under any conditions
John P. Kotter and Holger Rathgeber
Penguin Group | 2016 | 171 pp. | ISBN 9780399563911

Our Iceberg is Melting, is a valuable resource for the practical application of change management. This book is an illustration of Kotter’s 8 step change process told through penguins living in Antarctica. Their iceberg is melting and the colony must go through a major life transformation to survive. Each penguin plays a role and the story brings to life the change process that organizations experience in the form of a fable. The challenges and fears of teams when a change occurs is illustrated with the lead change agent, Fred, and his colony of penguins.

The authors were clever and engaging, as they translated the journey of effective change into a fable. It took the entire colony working together with Fred as the leader and change agent. Fred saw a dire need for change and knew he had to step up to the plate. He naturally walked the colony through the eight steps to reach their goals. Kotter’s steps are presented in a digestible and creative format. Transformation is difficult, and the colony faced challenges motivating everyone to take on their respective roles through the change process.

When you find yourself in the position of being a change agent for a work culture shift and are unsure of exactly how to best handle it, this is the book for you. Our Iceberg is Melting helps you access the challenges ahead with staffing and identify potential pressure points that if left unattended will become roadblocks to your successful transition. Share this book with any member of your organization for a clear and unintimidating story that shows the way to full transformation.

The book is recommended for…

• Leaders and all members of an organization experiencing change.
• A good read for a weekend at the beach or poolside.

Cite: Ashmen, H. (2018). BSC Book Review: Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and succeeding under any conditions.  Rockville, MD: BSCorbett Consulting, LLC. Retrieved from http://https://bscorbettconsulting.com/portfolio/our-iceberg-is-melting