Michael Lissack
ride was, where we went, why we went there and what came out of it.’”
This story illustrates how landscape experiences create coherence through several specific mechanisms:
Shared Physical Experience
The physical journey—literally traversing a landscape together—cre- ated a common reference point that transcended organizational boundar- ies. Engineers, shop floor workers, and managers shared the same experi- ence, creating a foundation for collective sense-making. This principle extends beyond literal journeys to shared experiences of any kind that create a common landscape reference. When teams nav- igate challenges together—whether market entries, product launches, or crisis responses—they develop shared landscape imagery that enhances coherence.
Direct Perception of Context
The bus journey allowed participants to directly perceive the com- petitive landscape rather than experiencing it through abstractions and reports. They could see, touch, and evaluate competitors’ products, gain- ing firsthand understanding of market realities. This direct perception created what cognitive scientists call “common ground”—shared knowledge that serves as a foundation for communica- tion and coordination. When team members can reference the same di- rectly experienced landscape features, they communicate more effectively and align their efforts more naturally.
Narrative Framework
The bus journey provided a powerful narrative structure—a story with a beginning, middle, and end that could be retold and referenced.
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