When Do You Call it a Day?

Shocking news in 2024 doesn’t seem to stop, as just last week, Lewis Hamilton, multiple Formula 1 title winner, announced he will be joining Ferrari from Mercedes – for F1 fans it was a huge surprise, but was also a decision that many could understand and empathise with.

As much as it took fans’ breath away, the endless allure of driving for the ‘prancing black horse’ is irresistible for any Formula 1 driver, with Mercedes beginning to lose their mojo, and Hamilton’s incredible success, maybe it was just a matter of time before he called it a day and began a new venture.

This reminded me of the sizable number of Tory MPs also announcing their departure, or the decision not to stand at the next election. As it stands, 50 Conservative MPs have made this decision – why? Are they losing hope in the policies and direction of their leadership? Is the worry finally settling in – realising they could be wiped out and lose their seats? It’s a bit like Hamilton at Mercedes, after the barnstorming landslide of 2019, the party has lost its way. It’s almost guaranteed that a change is coming, maybe long overdue, but certainly inevitable.

To the public it’s been obvious, but only recently have many MPs acknowledged just how toxic their role in the government is. The responsibility to hold accountability for nationwide issues is not an easy task for anyone – but with the half-truths, lack of transparency and lack of likable leadership, it’s led to more call outs and demands to no longer have the same people in power. Many MPs face real danger, we have had horrific attacks with grotesque stabbings and murders. Who today wants to become an MP?

Resignations and higher employee turnovers have also become more noticeable in everyday work life. Hospitality, office jobs, even in education, we are seeing so many people walk away from positions or forced out. Just imagine if these industries had senior management doing the same, just like the number of MPs that are walking away. It’s hard to imagine those in the C-suite of mainstream industries all leaving in such high volume at the same time – quite simply, these workplaces would fall over and have no stability. It leads many to believe that the role of MP is becoming so much less desirable, and many feel they now have no choice, or truly cannot stand sticking around.

The two are comparable. If a business is out of touch and struggles to connect with its people as so many Tory MPs are feeling – the role becomes harmful, and even more resignations are inevitable.

I find myself sounding like a broken record, one might think that I’m always finding a way to bring the Tories into a story – that really is not the case, but it is the gift that never stops giving. Endless examples of what not to do. Caring about others isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.

During the pandemic business leaders struggled to retain employees. Research from HUMU found that many of those who became part of the Great Resignation had new expectations and if the business wanted to retain them, there needed to be a much more inclusive and purpose driven culture. Personally, we have seen this in plenty of companies we’ve worked with and ensured there is a drastic change immediately. Moving forward, many industries must adapt to the standards others are setting – or they will just be left behind.

With each company we visit, a few key things soon become obvious. Are they creating a psychological safe space for their colleagues? Does everyone welcome differences, and have they established an inclusive culture? These are quickly becoming the bare minimum for standards in the workplace – understandably so. To retain talent, things must be different. The best of the senior managers cannot afford to be allowed to leave at the rate the MPs are jumping ship at. We’ve seen some recent excellent changes in businesses, but leadership still often lacks purpose. Leaders know what to do but do not know why they are doing it. Without purpose, there is little reason for colleagues to have a feeling of belonging to something special, and therefore ‘go the extra mile.’

We often say businesses have the ability to do things that the government cannot – this is rapidly becoming more apparent as businesses continue to listen and act for their people.

There comes a time when the role just has more responsibilities without meaning or purpose to fulfil. Jurgen Klopp and Lewis Hamilton are the most recent examples of knowing when to call it a day and find something new. They both just knew it was time. Tory MPs are calling it a day with no plan; they’ve overstayed their welcome. These big examples give us all something to think about – employees need to understand when the right time is to leave, or maybe not go through with job acceptance in the first place. When the role becomes toxic, there’s no reason to stay – if the role cannot make you feel proud and excited, do not accept.

Go where you are wanted, not needed.

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Thought of the week:

Every positive step takes you forward – hesitation holds you back.

Tips for becoming an A player:

• Don’t be so focused on your goals that you miss your life.
• Embrace this new and different generation.
• Before asking anyone else to change – be sure you have changed yourself.
• Always be purpose led and inclusion driven.
• Never fear making mistakes.

For weekly stories on diversity, inclusion and leadership, visit the Belong website

https://www.wearebelong.com/

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