Is anyone thirsty?

For me, it was some years ago whilst on a training run for a marathon. I hadn't done anywhere near enough research into how to handle the endurance stresses and was running more than 16 miles without drinking. It was only after an unhealthy reaction to an 18-mile run that I looked into it and realised that I should be taking on fluids (obvious in hindsight). From then on I started to place bottled drinks in strategic places ahead of a long run out.  

Thankfully most of us have easy access to safe water and hopefully can’t remember being severely dehydrated, if ever.  

And yet, it seems that many leaders approach their work a bit like my approach to running. Pushing forward (good), under pressure (to be expected) with a big goal to aim for (great!). But they don’t take on the equivalent of fluids along the way. A good number of our clients in the Channel Islands are, at the time I am writing this, depleted in their energy, running on fumes and having to dig very deeply indeed to muster the energy to continue forward for the week ahead.  

If this resonates with you, it’s time to put in place some consistent, rudimentary practices to give the best chance of being sustained for the long haul.

Be in no doubt, leadership is a marathon, not a leisurely short stroll.

Here are some headlines to help prompt us all:  

• Self Care. I am amazed at the number of people who eat poorly, or don’t eat at all, during their working day. Let alone take even 20 minutes to get outside, move their bodies and breathe fresh air. We can all take time for the basics. Other strategies include rejecting back-to-back meetings, even 10 minutes in between gives the margin to recover. Exercise will help clear the mind as well as strengthen the body. Sleep is the best performance enhancer there is; going to bed a little earlier can make the world of difference.  

• Thirst for knowledge. Dig into the research that will help you to lead with alacrity. What’s going on in your industry? What innovations will help move you forward? What’s actually happening amongst your people, your customers and your suppliers? If you don’t have the time to ask the necessary questions, that’s an amber warning light that you may be poised for trouble. Good leaders are learners, they are curious. I for one would have benefitted from more knowledge when running.   

• Thirst for self-improvement. There are many ways to self-learn. Exploring issues, receiving feedback and processing feelings with a trusted friend, mentor or coach is an excellent - and I have come to believe, essential - way to grow. Who can you call on, whose wisdom can you ‘drink’ from?  

• Thirst to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Excellent leaders are a source of refreshment and nourishment for many others. They inspire, nurture and bring life to ideas.  Self-centred leaders drink the resources for themselves, leaving others parched. Which would you prefer to work with?  

Leaders (and marathon runners) need to stay hydrated. As we navigate through the challenges and pressures of our roles, we need to recognise the signs of depletion and refuel accordingly. Just as proper hydration sustains a runner's endurance, nurturing oneself through self-care, continuous learning, self-improvement, and a commitment to positively impact others are key. What changes will you put in place to sustain yourself?