Crew, as a sport, punishes mind and body. It demands relentless endurance and teamwork. Rowers must push beyond their pain threshold despite wind, current and exhaustion.
In many respects, they epitomize tenacity and toughness. That’s because in crew victory goes only to those who outlast all others. This “never quit” mentality is common ground with middle market entrepreneurs. Those business owners who, despite awesome odds, are able to navigate their ship against an uncertain environment.
This is particularly relevant today in the highly-charged presidential election which seems to have soured the mood of many Americans. Some are disgruntled with the nominees while others remain dissatisfied with the state of the body politic.
Mudslinging has reached epic proportions. The rancor and volatility of the race has created uncertainty causing 65% of Americans to limit monthly spending. Investors, on the other hand, have fears of a bond-market crash and a breakdown in globalization.
Middle market business owners would do well to take a page out of the rower’s handbook.
Crew operates through a commitment to hard work, persistence and cohesion. One rower alone can not propel the boat faster; however, the loss of one will certainly make the boat slow down. Crewmates trust and depend on one another, especially when they fight through adverse circumstances or walls of pain.
So might businesses stay the course during this unusual period of turbulent and caustic rhetoric. By gathering your managers and creating trust and cohesion, your business can fortify its corporate endurance. Endowed with the ability to outperform and outlast, your company very likely will be more successful.
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