Last Tuesday, I rejoined a rollerblading group for their leisurely skate night. However, the group decided to engage in an hour and a half of hill work in preparation for a long road skate. After thirteen exhausting miles, I arrived at my car, removed my skates, and closed the trunk—only to be hit in the head by my bike rack. My tiredness had caused me to forget about the rack and make a careless mistake.

This experience made me think about the corporate world and the countless overworked CEOs and employees I’ve encountered. The pressure and workload have increased as companies have laid off staff to improve their bottom line. These hardworking individuals often admit to being tired and overwhelmed, which could lead to making mistakes or missing critical information.

In a steady-state environment, it’s possible to work flat out and stay focused. However, our world is constantly changing, and disruptions can occur unexpectedly. If unprepared, these disruptions can cause significant damage to an organization’s competitiveness, profit margins, or even its survival. It’s crucial to ensure that you and your team have the opportunity to look up from the daily grind and assess the environment around you. The cost of overworking and the inability to respond to unexpected challenges can far outweigh any perceived benefits of keeping costs low. In the end, you don’t want the competition or unforeseen circumstances to catch you off guard.

© 2013 Marc Borrelli All Rights Reserved