So here we are in 2021

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So here we are, 14 days into 2021 and what a start to the year!

On the plus side Brexit is finally behind us, there is a deal, and the coronavirus vaccine is being rolled out at pace. Which is good news and reason to be positive for the future; yet for many businesses, and for wider society, in many ways it feels harder. The virus is rampaging bringing further lockdowns and a devastating human cost, extending what was already a difficult time. Brexit is certainly challenging for most importers and exporters, despite the planning and preparation, with increased paperwork and costs. Political uncertainty continues around the world with the ongoing constitutional discussions in America and in the UK.

Business leaders and owners know that running a business can be a lonely place but in lockdown this is being amplified. Business has been incredibly resilient through the last twelve months, using the government support to survive and in many cases pivoting business models to compete in the new circumstances. But fatigue is certainly starting to set in as the marathon continues.

Expanding on the marathon analogy, runners often talk about the 22-mile point being “the wall”. A point where everything hurts, energy is low and you wonder whether, if you were just to stop, your friends would notice that you had not completed the race! In business we are at the same point. Like most companies that support business we are seeing business leaders that are tired, even those that have seen revenues increase during the pandemic. Financial reserves are dwindling replaced by debt. For many smaller business owners’ personal finances are also badly hit with government support either restricted or unavailable. And just like in the marathon analogy, we are seeing people starting to talk about giving up and withdrawing from the race.

What can we, as business leaders, do to find the drive to complete the marathon and maintain our physical and mental wellbeing?

Be kind to yourself – Athletes know that worrying about what is going badly at this point will result in increased tension further impeding performance. As business leaders we can learn from this, take a step back, think about what we have achieved to distract the body and the mind, reducing tension.
Equally at 22 miles into a marathon, there is much that you no longer care about, how you look for example becomes completely irrelevant. Focus on what matters – this is important and will make the difference to completing the race. Take the time to focus on your customers, processes, and teams, improving performance and efficiency
Use the crowd – Runners will take encouragement from the crowd or be distracted and inspired by other runners. In business we have the same opportunities. This may be by taking an hour to attend a webinar or, better still, connect with another business leader, they will more than likely be feeling the same and will be delighted to connect. Perhaps this is a great moment to think about adding that non-executive to your board adding new energy, support, and encouragement.
Rehydrate and replace lost nutrients – At a basic level, step away from the desk for a coffee break and a chat with your partner or dog. Or take a moment for some personal development. Many of us are spending time thinking about useful training and development for our teams to keep them engaged and connected but how many business leaders are including their own development in this thinking? In our experience to date, very few!

The last 4.2 miles will certainly be tough and challenging but we know that, when we reach the finish, the personal feeling of euphoria, achievement and pride will be incredible, but marathon runners also experience solidarity and a collective spirit with their fellow runners, creating lasting relationships and friendships. Perhaps at the end of all this business leadership may be a less lonely place!