What rowing across the Atlantic can teach you about navigating the working world
Toby Gould was both excited and petrified on the morning of December 12, 2018. He and the three other non-professional rowers in his team were due to set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands in a rowing boat equipped with only as much kit and freeze-dried food as a 29 x 6-foot boat can carry. Ahead of them lay 3,000 miles of ocean before they would reach their finishing point across the Atlantic.
The 39-year-old – who normally works as deputy head of resilience at London Fire Brigade – said: “We are buzzing, we are ready to go; we are not thinking about anything else.” The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is seen as the world’s toughest row…
Workplace burnout can no longer be ignored by leaders
Recent findings reveal that workers who describe themselves as mentally distant, or disengaged – a key indicator of burnout – had 37% more absenteeism, 49% more workplace accidents, and 60% more issues with accuracy and defects [2], therefore businesses need emotionally intelligent leaders who know how to respond to a situation in a way that facilitates positive behaviours.
Insight and awareness around the feelings of others is a skill that can be learned and developed. Upskilling managers to both identify and manage their own emotions, as well as those of employees, is vital for a harmonious workplace. With five generations working side by side, leaders need to adapt their style to respect the needs of different generations…
