A Burning Platform is a metaphor used to explain the necessity of change despite the fear of the unknown consequences. This metaphor was derived from the fatal explosion of an oil drilling platform in which one survivor had to chose to jump into a sea of burning oil rather than burn on the platform. This metaphor serves to describe a situation in which action (i.e., costly change) is required and maintenance of the status quo is no longer an option as doing so would be even more harmful. 

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Change Management
Best Practices
Burning
Platform
Template

2. A Burning Platform is a metaphor used to explain the necessity of change despite the fear of
the unknown consequences. This metaphor was derived from the fatal explosion of an oil
drilling platform in which one survivor had to chose to jump into a sea of burning oil rather
than burn on the platform. This metaphor serves to describe a situation in which action (i.e.,
costly change) is required and maintenance of the status quo is no longer an option as doing
so would be even more harmful.
Complete the 2x2 Matrix on the next slide by outlining the current and anticipated problems/opportunities for your
organization.
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Burning Platform Template

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Burning Platform Template
Problem Opportunity
Situation:
CurrentAnticipated
Pain:
Situation:
Pain:
Situation:
Pain:
Situation:
Pain:
Based on your analysis, write a burning
platform statement:
If we keep doing X, then
Y will likely happen. If
we do A instead, then we
will achieve B.

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