DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

In an increasingly unpredictable world, organizational resilience has become a critical factor for long-term success. When faced with disruptions—whether due to economic shifts, technological changes, or global crises—organizations that can adapt quickly are more likely to survive and thrive. Traditionally, businesses rely on well-defined processes and routines to maintain efficiency and consistency. However, during unstable times, these familiar methods often break down. When that happens, teams must pivot and incorporate two additional approaches: heuristics—simple rules of thumb that streamline decision-making—and improvisation, which involves spontaneous problem-solving and adaptive responses.

Drawing on the experiences of successful expeditions, which operate in high-stakes, unpredictable environments, let’s explore when each approach works best and how organizations can cultivate the agility to switch between structured routines, heuristics, and improvisation to build lasting resilience…

Understanding organizational resilience

Organizational resilience is the ability of a company to absorb shocks, adapt to change, and continue functioning effectively in the face of disruption. It goes beyond simply recovering from a crisis—resilient organizations anticipate, adapt to, and evolve through challenges. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, organizations that proactively develop resilience outperform competitors during and after crises. (McKinsey – Organizational Resilience)

In stable environments, efficiency is achieved through standardized processes and routines. However, when uncertainty strikes, organizations must complement these methods with more flexible approaches. By incorporating heuristics and improvisation, organizations can adapt their strategies in real time, allowing them to respond to unforeseen challenges and emerging opportunities.

Heuristics: When simple rules enhance decision-making

What are heuristics?

Heuristics are simple, experience-based rules that help people make decisions quickly and effectively. These «rules of thumb» prioritize speed over exhaustive analysis, allowing teams to act decisively without being paralyzed by uncertainty. Heuristics are especially useful when information is incomplete, time is limited, or decisions must be made under pressure.

In organizational contexts, heuristics can guide decision-making without the need for complex, bureaucratic processes. For example, the «80/20 rule» (Pareto Principle) is a common heuristic: 80% of outcomes often stem from 20% of inputs. Companies use this principle to prioritize high-impact areas when resources are limited.

Expedition example: Mount Everest climbs

Mountaineering expeditions to Mount Everest exemplify the power of heuristics. With unpredictable weather, thin oxygen levels, and life-or-death decisions, climbers cannot afford lengthy deliberations. Experienced climbers follow critical heuristics, such as «turn around by 2:00 PM no matter how close you are to the summit.» This simple rule protects climbers from being caught in dangerous afternoon storms.

When to use heuristics in organizations:

1. Time-sensitive decisions: When quick action is required to mitigate risks or seize opportunities.
2. Resource constraints: When resources (time, staff, or finances) are limited, simple rules help prioritize effectively.
3. Pattern recognition: In familiar situations where past experiences can guide future actions.

Practical tips to implement heuristics:

• Identify recurring situations where speed matters (e.g., handling customer complaints or supply chain disruptions).
• Develop and communicate simple rules for decision-making (e.g., «Always prioritize customer safety first»).
• Regularly review and refine heuristics based on lessons learned.

Improvisation: Spontaneous adaptation in uncertain environments

What is improvisation?

Improvisation is the ability to respond to unexpected challenges or opportunities without pre-existing guidelines. It requires creativity, flexibility, and collaboration. Improvisation thrives in environments where uncertainty is high, and the ability to act without a predefined plan is essential.

Expedition example: Apollo 13 mission

NASA’s Apollo 13 mission in 1970 is a classic example of successful improvisation. When an oxygen tank exploded mid-flight, the crew faced life-threatening challenges with no established solutions. Engineers on the ground rapidly devised new protocols, including constructing a carbon dioxide filter using only materials available on the spacecraft. This quick-thinking improvisation saved the astronauts’ lives.

When to use improvisation in organizations:

1. Novel crises: When facing situations with no clear precedent or playbook.
2. Complex problems: When standard procedures fail or are insufficient.
3. Opportunity seizure: When unexpected opportunities arise that require immediate action.

Practical tips to foster improvisation:

• Encourage experimentation and risk-taking.
• Cultivate cross-functional teams that bring diverse perspectives.
• Practice «improv drills» through scenario-based training exercises.

Balancing routines, heuristics, and improvisation

Resilient organizations know that no single approach works in every situation. They build agility by moving fluidly between routines, heuristics, and improvisation as needed. Successful expeditions demonstrate how these approaches complement each other in extreme environments.

Case study: Shackleton’s antarctic expedition

In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton led the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, which became one of history’s most remarkable survival stories. When his ship, the Endurance, became trapped in ice, Shackleton alternated between structured routines, heuristics, and improvisation to keep his crew alive for over 18 months.

1. Routines for stability: Daily tasks, such as maintaining equipment and physical exercise, provided psychological stability during months on the ice.
2. Heuristics for navigation: Shackleton relied on simple rules for sea navigation, such as «follow the prevailing winds,» during their 800-mile open-boat journey to seek rescue.
3. Improvisation for survival: Shackleton continuously adapted as conditions changed, including repurposing supplies to build shelters and improvising medical care.

His ability to pivot between these approaches not only saved the entire crew but also set a model for leadership under extreme uncertainty. (National Geographic – Shackleton’s Journey)

Building organizational resilience: A practical framework

1. Assess decision contexts: Identify areas where routines, heuristics, and improvisation are most applicable.
2. Train for adaptability: Offer training programs that simulate crisis scenarios to develop adaptive decision-making.
3. Empower frontline teams: Decentralize authority so employees closest to problems can decide quickly.
4. Capture and share lessons: Document and share insights from both successful and failed adaptations.
5. Foster a resilient culture: Encourage a mindset that views challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

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In an unpredictable world, building organizational resilience requires a multi-faceted approach. While routines offer stability, they can break down under pressure. In these moments, heuristics provide quick decision-making shortcuts, while improvisation enables creative solutions in uncharted territory. Lessons from high-risk expeditions demonstrate that the most resilient organizations know when to apply each approach—and how to seamlessly switch between them.

By fostering adaptability, empowering decision-makers, and cultivating a culture of learning, organizations can not only withstand crises but emerge stronger and more innovative.