Pulling Together: The Blueprint for Impact and Success
As I look back on my weekend at the Newquay County Championships with Charlestown Gig Club, I’m struck by how much rowing can teach us about business. At the heart of it all is something we all need—having a clear direction and a plan to make a positive dent in the universe. Or purpose. And businesses that embed purpose are more likely to be successful.
As a crew we faced uncertain times over the summer following a promising start at the World Championships. Crew availability, commitments and a bunch of other factors made it difficult to see where we were going…but after some tough conversations, we rediscovered our mojo…
Let’s dive into how it’s all connected.
Setting the Course: Theory of Change for All
Okay, so maybe you’re not planning on racing a gig, but like us, you need a roadmap. It’s like Google Maps for your business or mission. It’s called a ‘Theory of Change,’ and it’s your North Star.
Think about it. If you’re in business to make money, great, but why? What impact are you having on the world? If you’re all about the social good, awesome, but how are you making it happen? Your Theory of Change lays it all out for you, from ‘why you’re doing it’ to ‘how you’re doing it,’ and ‘what you’re going to change.’ We didn’t necessarily have a ‘Theory of Change’, but we did have a reset moment…and that led to clarity and teamwork!
Teamwork: Everybody Pulls Together
You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘teamwork makes the dream work,’ and it’s just as true in the boardroom as it is in the boat. In gig rowing, ‘pulling together’ means rowing in perfect harmony. In business, it means every person in your organisation working towards the same goal.
Imagine the power when everyone is in sync. Your Theory of Change becomes the battle cry that unites your team. It’s your recipe for successful, coordinated strokes that propel your business or mission forward.
Although we didn’t call it a Theory of Change, we certainly recalibrated our compass and set it firmly on North (or Newquay)…perhaps a little too late to achieve the impact we wanted to create, but a huge step in the right direction for the future…
Overcoming Weaknesses: Adapting on the Fly
We don’t always have the luxury of endless practice in rowing, particularly as an amateur sport, and businesses face limitations and surprises too. The key is recognising weaknesses and being agile. In the boat, we adapt during the race; in business, you adapt when the market shifts.
Your Theory of Change is your compass, helping you anticipate and navigate the rough waters. It’s the map for your team to adjust course when needed but ensures you always reach the intended destination or point towards your North Star.
The Finish Line: Impact Realised
In rowing, crossing that finish line is a rush, especially when you exceed expectations (note I didn’t say win). In business, reaching your goals is hugely rewarding. But it’s not just about personal satisfaction—it’s about the impact you make. Your Theory of Change lets you measure progress and celebrate milestones.
Whether you’re a rower or an entrepreneur, the journey is about more than personal wins; it’s about leaving a legacy. It’s about creating change that inspires others to join your crew.
Final Thoughts: It’s About More Than Rowing
Rowing isn’t just about races, and business isn’t just about profits. It’s about having a clear direction, working together, adapting when needed, and making a meaningful impact on the world.
So, whether you’re steering a boat or a business, keep these lessons in mind. Your Theory of Change isn’t just a document; it’s your roadmap to success and impact. It’s your invitation for others to row alongside you, creating a wave of positive change. Then there’s your business plan, again, this isn’t something to stuff on the shelf after the bank has had a quick peek! It’s your operational plan, it’s the detail that will help you realise your ‘Theory of Change’ and it needs to adapt and be LIVE.
No matter what waters you navigate, remember this: success isn’t just about reaching the finish line; it’s about making a difference that lasts. In business, whether that is purpose-led for-profit, social enterprise or community business, you may never achieve the vision, because you want to change the world, but a strong Theory of Change will ensure you are always heading in the right direction, making decisions that keep you on track, and giving you the confidence to stay true to your ‘purpose’.
For Charlestown Gig Club, and our men’s crew, the finish line this year was not the end goal, we reset, laid the foundations for the future and got everyone pulling in the same direction. The hard work now starts as we build towards next season and the impact we really want to have…a place in the World Champs Finals and a really strong club showing across all crews…can we do it?
Who knows, but our Theory of Change will be clear, we know what we have to do…and if we execute it together, then we will be secure in the knowledge that we couldn’t have done anything else and that we have left the club in a better place than it was before.
Images courtesy of gigrower.co.uk
