Business lessons learnt from running marathons

From running a marathon to running a business

I have found that while running my enterprise, I could draw several parallels from my passion for running marathons. I have taken liking to running since last year and have travelled a few cities now participating in various runs. I have felt it to be very liberating for myself giving me the time I need for myself while helping me build my endurance. Apart from that, I have drawn a few business lessons from it

1. It’s about long haul and perseverance:

Marathons are nothing if not about distance. It is all about the joy of clocking those miles and being at it till you reach your set distance. Anyone who is preparing for it knows that and works for it accordingly. Right from the start you pace yourself and don't worry if you are ahead or behind in the beginning. You know that it is going to be long run and you will get enough opportunities to increase your pace later, if required

Likewise CEOs have to understand that it isn’t really about delivering the best quarter results whatever the pressure might be. Two examples of company leaders come to my mind that are revered by all for their business foresight and practice. Ratan Tata was the CEO and chairman for the Tata group for more than 20 years and it was under his leadership that the group catapulted from national player to one with global ambitions and presence. It took him that kind of time to first wrestle power from individual powerhouse group company heads and then give the consolidated group a vision and direction to move ahead.

Something similar happened with GE. Under the stalwart leadership of Jack Welch, GE too folded up from its unprofitable businesses and led the way to multiple country presence with innovation as driving force. Not the just it took that many years for Jack Welch to set up the now famous leadership program to churn out future business leaders.

2. There are good and bad days:

Irrespective of how well you are training, there are days when your body just refuses to run or pick up the pace that you would like to. And any good runner would know to respect that. You shouldn’t force yourself and revise your training for that day.

Running an enterprise is no different. There are phases when some of your business strategies don’t unfold in the manner you would have envisaged. You simply need to acknowledge that and not waste your energy or resource fighting it. After all one has to know which battles to fight. Best thing to do is improvise and alter course given the new set of realities that have presented itself.

3. Unconventional techniques:

Along with covering the distance, every marathoner wants to better his or her timings. However, unlike conventional wisdom the best way to increase pace isn’t to by simply running longer distances; it is, in fact, just the opposite. Carrying out interval training of 400 meters for example does it. You run fast for 400 meters and then walk for 100 before breaking again into fast run. Interval training breaks the routine that sets in the body and helps build stamina by fast running and taking breaks.

Most of the innovation that would occur in any company at the product or service front happens with unconventional approach. Be it problem solving or researching new revenue streams, some of the best ideas have come when totally unconventional techniques have been applied and inspiration sought from. Conceptualizing and development of vacuum cleaner that sucks up dirt rather than the brooming action is one of the best examples of unconventional thinking and technique at play

4. Fun along the run:

One of the best way to finish your marathon is to have fun along the way. So it’s not surprising that a lot of runners wave to the people who are cheering them along the way. One shouldn’t forget to exchange pleasantries with fellow runners and encourage them if they are slacking. It’s not a bad thing to stop by the water station, sip a bit and thank the volunteers. The goal isn’t just about covering the distance but ensuring that enjoyed it as well

This is the most importance point while leading a team. You aren’t going to reach anywhere if our team isn’t motivated and enjoying the work. Take a leaf out of Zappos, Innocent Drinks or Google!

5. If you get hurt, recuperate and start again:

Sore legs, cramps, dehydration, muscle spasm are well known symptoms to all marathon runners. Most of them have gone through it during their training and have learnt from it. These injuries teach them to understand their body better and accordingly pace themselves right, drink the right amount of water, run using the right technique etc

Certain bad decisions taken in business can cause severe setbacks in terms of business loss or diversion of company resources towards unprofitable end. Business is all about taking risks and CEOs have to take them to move ahead. One of the best age old example is of Coke launching New Coke that bombed and Coke realized it and got back to the Real Thing. The right thing to do is to learn from it, understand your company better and make changes accordingly.