Restaurant staff devastated:
COLLABORATION has been a key strength over the last seven months. Who will ever forget the rousing support for our frontline workers, the selfless acts from taxi drivers, or the community spirit which emerged in early spring? As people have been united – both in and outside of the (virtual) workplace – we should take pride in how we have reacted overall to this incredible challenge. However, as we have seen from further restrictions being imposed on the country over recent weeks (and those that begin, albeit temporarily, from this evening), we are certainly not out of the woods yet as a second wave of the pandemic takes hold.
It goes without saying that life has not been easy as the pandemic seems almost relentless in its attack on individuals, businesses, and global economies; but we cannot lose sight of the focus which has brought us to this point. As further support from the UK Government is extended to employers and employees, it will most certainly provide a lifeline to those who need it most. But this support will by no means be a catch-all solution. As Rishi Sunak noted in his statement to the Commons on September 24, this winter will, unfortunately, see business failures and job losses due to the impact of Covid-19.
But for many, business failure is not an option. And so, as the pandemic endures, we again find ourselves in a position where we – as business leaders – must look to new paths to continue and
(where we can) achieve growth. I have written before about how proud I am of the business community in Scotland since the pandemic hit – that hasn’t changed. The tenacity, innovation, and gumption that has been demonstrated has brought the community thus far through the last seven months _ but it is vital that none of us lose that steam and drive. It is in no doubt tough – and we will all feel the pain on many occasions – but it is also vital that we work to avoid that pain where we can. To maintain that momentum we must again pause, listen and support where we can. Despite the struggle that faces each one of us, we must unite and share to better ourselves and our businesses. If we become defeatist and ignore these opportunities, that is when failure will take a grip and overwhelm us. As I say again – for many, failure is NOT an option.
In taking this time to reflect, many business leaders in Scotland realise that they are not yet the finished article, that they can continue to learn and develop, and that they do not have a monopoly on good ideas. These are the ones who surround themselves with great people, who book themselves on training courses, and who absorb thoughts and suggestions from outside their immediate circle. Every day can and should be a “school day” – we must open ourselves up to new ideas, thinking and concepts. We must broaden our horizons if we are to make it through the challenging environment we find ourselves in right now; it would be irresponsible to do any less.
Next month, we’ll come together
(albeit virtually) to listen, learn and engage at our annual conference. With a focus on growth through collaboration, our hope is for business leaders and directors across the length and breadth of Scotland to walk away from the event with a new connection or an idea they can take into their own business to drive the growth they need to succeed.
Over the coming months, we must ensure that we reach out when we need help, offer our time to share good ideas when we can, and generally be present for our peers. Scotland PLC can only be a success if we are “in this” together – focused on survival, focused on growth. There is no reason for individuals to fight to stay afloat on their own. Only by collaborating will we see true growth.