Sound the retreat!
To the sound of blaring bugles, shouting voices and clattering armour, the army halts and starts to move backwards. Its advance on the battlefield was halted by a far superior enemy and before it is destroyed completely its commanders sounded a retreat.
Whenever I hear the word ‘retreat’, my default thought is of failure.
However, the act of moving backwards from something or somewhere is not always about losing a fight.
One of the best things I did this year was attend a business retreat in Malta. I took a step backwards from working in my business to look at things without the usual noise cluttering up my thoughts.
My accommodation was comfortable with plenty of food and drink available. I felt safe and the people I was with were friendly and welcoming. My opinions were valued and I genuinely felt like I helped the others in the group. I naturally started to be creative in my thinking, new and interesting ideas came to mind about how I could improve myself and my business. It was one of the most valuable things I’ve ever done.
Writing this on the run-up to Christmas, I’m mindful that lots of us will find ourselves in retreat. We will spend time in our homes with our loved ones and maybe reflect on our achievements this year. The noise of our everyday subsides a little and allows our quieter thoughts a little more space to be heard. The new ideas, the improvements we can make and maybe some new targets for the coming year.
Always have a notebook to hand just in case this happens to you. At Christmas, Easter, Diwali or whenever you retreat from your business.
Be prepared for that spark of inspiration.
Russell has run numerous projects in the public and private sectors. He then turned his hand to training and consultancy. His core skill lies in helping people and organisations to make a positive change for real benefit.
- Training – what’s the future? - December 5, 2023
- Change is inevitable - September 25, 2023
- Sound the retreat! - December 5, 2022
