It’s tough to run in the heat and humidity of the summer.
For me, summer running requires a different approach and mental focus than running in cooler temperatures. I don’t always enjoy it as much, but at the same time, there is something cathartic about powering through a bunch of miles to get to the finish line exhausted and dripping in sweat.
Running in heat and humidity is a lot like pacing yourself when you’re running a high-growth business.
In order to deliver sustained growth, you have to lead like an endurance runner preparing to go the distance. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s easy to get it wrong by training for the wrong distance, or at the incorrect pace.
Either of these mistakes and you might just fizzle out.
I’ve learned over time how to prepare for and sustain a run in difficult conditions. And although I hate to give up, I've also learned that sometimes it’s best to just take a day off.
I've found that running clears my mind and allows my thinking to wander in creative, innovative ways that help me gain clarity and shake loose possible new ways to approach challenges. This ability is one of the most valuable things I bring to my clients as I help them prepare for, sustain and break through periods of growth in their organizations.
Here are four challenges I face when I run that also cause problems for high-growth organizations - and what to do about them:
Challenge #1: Unsustainable Pace
In the summer, if I start out too fast, I usually end up exhausted and having to walk for a while. Running in the heat requires me to really be disciplined about hydration and pace in order to achieve the results I want and to sustain my run to the end. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to go slow to go fast.
This applies to your organization as well. It’s not just about out pacing your competition; it’s about sustaining that pace for an extended period of time. To do it, focus on the people and offerings that can deliver growth, profitability and impact for the long haul.
Challenge #2: Good Vision, but Lack of Focus
As a runner, my vision gets me out on the road every morning. But it’s my focus that gets me to the finish line. I know where I want to end up and how fast I want to run, but it’s my focus on good posture, breathing, staying alert to traffic that allow me to be successful.
As a leader, you need to not only have a clear and compelling vision for your organization, but also a focus on the priorities, objectives and strategies that deliver the right results to achieve your vision.
Challenge #3: Thinking Current Strengths are Enough to Get You Through
Ever since I played sports in 5th grade, I’ve never had to do much stretching. I was always able to roll out of bed or go out onto the field and start to run or play at a high level. Well, needless to say, as I’ve gotten older, this “strength” has faded. I recognized that I really needed to get serious about stretching if I was going to continue to be a strong, injury-free runner.
I discovered yoga and I’ve never looked back.
Recognizing that your organization can’t just rely on the same-old, same-old forever is critical if you’re going to be successful in the future. Whether you need to cross train your team or invest in new processes or systems, always take the time to build new strengths and capabilities.
Challenge #4: Being Reckless with Recovery
When I’m not paying attention, I feel like I run at two speeds: too fast or too slow. When I run too slowly, it’s usually a sign that I need to take a break to recover.
In business, like running, we improve and get stronger when we recover properly. In fact, recovery is equally as important to improvement as training.
This is a hard one for leaders who are programmed to achieve and keep going.
As a runner, I have to remember that recovery is part of the process – not a day of loafing. As a business leader, you need to create a culture that emphasizes building resilience and well-being for your team so that they can sustain high levels of performance.
Ready, Set ... PACE YOURSELF!
Maybe you’re a runner too. If you are, I’d love to hear how you overcome these challenges. And if you don’t run but are a hard charger at work, I hope this has been helpful in encouraging you to reflect on how to set and sustain the right pace for high growth.
See you at the finish line!
