Steering Through Uncertainty with Vision and Vigour
Today’s business environment connects so much into a whole host of metaphors in sailing. Sailing is one of my passions. I grew up cruising around the Solent, Poole Harbour and off the Jurassic Coast with my family and have enjoyed sailing in various forms culminating in competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race twenty years ago.
Leadership in today’s turbulent waters can feel like skippering a yacht through an uncharted sea in a storm. The best skippers and leaders are those who, with a gentle yet firm hand, sense the subtle shifts in the wind and adjust the sails, accordingly, guiding their yacht with foresight and finesse. They harness the gale's ferocious energy not as a force to be battled, but as a powerful ally to propel them forward.
As a coach and mentor to CEOs who weather these storms, I’ve seen up close the fatigue that’s settled like a fog over even the most tenacious leaders. That once-clear vision for the business now may too often feel like it flickers like a flame in the wind. But let's not forget, we're made of tough stuff and remember it's not the calm seas, but the turbulent ones that teach us to sail our ships. Here’s the strategy that I’ve seen work, time and time again:
Charting the Course Through Chaos
During my 15k miles of racing aboard a Clipper Round the World Yacht, storms were our uninvited guests, but they taught us to prioritise not just the urgent but the vitally important. In the maelstrom of today's business world, it’s crucial to discern the immediate tasks from the ones that will carry us into the future. It's about peering through the squall to the stars that guide us, to stay true to our course.
So how can you do this very practically? Here are three thoughts and actions for you. First, define your north star. This is best articulated as everyone in your business being clear on your organisation’s purpose, vision and values. If this is crystal clear and everyone understands it, then you are in a position to drive real focus and prioritise accordingly. Unfortunately, it’s often not in growth businesses and those going through significant change and here is a real missed opportunity for alignment. Your north star will keep you orientated no matter how the business climate shifts.
Second, create a dynamic strategic plan – this is a flexible strategy that allows for adjustments. Reviewing and adapting these quarterly can be a very good discipline. Developing a habit of anticipating potential obstacles and planning multiple routes to your destination, is one that will have you forewarned and forearmed.
Third, building a capability and real discipline around prioritisation and delegation. This is easy to say and hard to do as perhaps we hold on to things, not wishing to ‘let them go’. Distinguish between activities that are urgent and those that are important for long-term success. Delegate effectively to empower your team and focus on strategic leadership.
Harnessing The Second Wind (And Third, And Fourth...)
Back when I playing National League hockey week in and week out, I remember both the great games when the team was in flow and everything we’d practised seemed to happen very naturally, and the far tougher games that required more grit, determination and resilience. I learnt the self-discipline to seek that second, third, fourth… wind; however under the cosh I felt, that unexpected surge of clarity and energy that turns the tide. How often do the very best sports teams score and go on to win in the last minute or two of the game? Recognising that the game's not over until it’s over was an important lesson for me, and finding the strength to compete until the very last whistle, was a real discipline. For leaders now, finding that surge is not just beneficial, it's essential.
So, what actions can you take to prepare yourself to harness the second wind in the business world? Begin with a commitment to lifelong learning. This is the bedrock of an adaptive and forward-thinking company. Make space for creativity to flourish by actively seeking out and valuing a multitude of voices and viewpoints within your team. Diversity isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about enriching your company’s narrative with a breadth of experience that can lead to ground-breaking innovation.
Navigating Endurance
Running and hiking 120 miles over 5 days across the Alps really showed me that endurance is a team sport. Yes, you need your own legs to carry you. You also need support too and in my case a lot of support – your support is your lifeline!
For CEOs, your support might look different—a trusted advisor, a coach, a peer group—but their importance is the same. Take care of your mental and physical stamina like it's the most precious resource you have, because it is. And for those who think resilience is just a buzzword, let me be clear: Resilience is not about toughing it out alone. It's about knowing when to push and when to pause, when to lean on others, and when to lead the charge.
So, what practical actions can you take as CEO or senior leader? First, make it a practice to acknowledge the achievements within your teams, no matter how small, to boost morale and foster a culture of recognition. Encourage adaptability by equipping your team with the tools and training to navigate these unpredictable seas.
Solidify your team's unity with initiatives that build and cultivate a sense of shared purpose and resilience. Forge alliances with other leaders, creating a network of mentorship and support that spans beyond your immediate industry.
Let's ‘take the helm’ with purpose and poise, steering our endeavours with a leadership steeped in authenticity and tenacity. Rather than yearning for still waters, let's master the craft of navigating these challenging times with elegance and strength. It's within our power to weave resilience into our organisations, to lead with empathy and intelligence, to inspire and be inspired.
Are you ready to make your mark in a way that will endure? Let's step forward together, not just with ambition but with deliberate and heartfelt commitment. It's through our thoughtful decisions and genuine actions that we'll build something truly lasting. Let's not just pass through these times; let's define them with our leadership, shaping a legacy that's as meaningful as it is memorable.