“If you can’t feel the wind, it’s behind you.” – Part 3 of 3

Note:  This is the third blog of a three part series.  To read the initial blog, click here.

One week ago today, a 30mph wind was the inspiration for this series of blogs and to-date, we’ve dealt with the difficulties wind can create for cyclists.  Today, however, we deal with the 1 out of 4 directions wind can help a cyclist… when it’s at our backs.

I’ve been road cycling for about 8 years and no matter how strong of a tailwind I’ve had, it’s barely perceptible, if at all, on your skin.  However, when you get that tailwind, you can definitely see it on the speedometer, the gear you get in, and the energy you’re expending.  I used to ride in a group that on a day with a good tailwind, the leaders would go after a Strava segment to improve their place in the rankings, if not get a KOM.  This was seen as opportunity! 

Heck, even uphill is easy(ier) with a tailwind!

Tailwinds do come to our organizations as well.  My work allows me to span enough industries that typically, I have at least a client or two riding a tailwind even if everyone else is struggling.  Some clients see that difference across its own divisions.  Still, the question is how we handle the wind… even a tailwind.

On my ride last week, I will admit, turning north was first simply a relief from getting beat up over the previous miles.  It’s like, “Finally!”.  Yes, it is a time of recovery but it’s hardly a time to coast.  Conditions are most favorable to go fast, with minimal energy spend. 

In our organizations, we have to fight the temptation to coast as well.  Optimal conditions can be a threat to us if we become complacent in what feels like success.  You know what I’m talking about.  Up 8% year-on-year?  Congratulations.  But what if you should be up 20% or more?  I’ve seen a lot of organizations that are successful in spite of themselves, simply because the conditions were right.  Good fortune is mistaken as prowess.

This is not about creating a culture of “what have you done for me lately?” where no result is good enough.  What it is about is creating a level of excitement of what’s possible.  It’s about stewarding our assets and the opportunities in front of us.  And it may even be about doing what we can, while we can for when the road or the wind change, because we know it will. 

I have a great client with at least one division of the company with a significant tailwind.  He’s savvy enough to recognize that everyone’s least favorite word, “unprecedented”, would be applied to the positive in terms of the market forces at play.  In cycling terms, he’s out front pulling and making sure the rest of the group is “on his wheel”. 

Wind happens.  The question is really whether we’re able to recognize it, how it is affecting us and the riders around us, and what we need to do in response.