// TECH TRENDS //
Paul Hargreaves, Author, Speaker and CEO of Cotswold Fayre and Flourish
being of employees, customers, suppliers and society as a whole. A business that invests in its people and community builds long-term loyalty and resilience, positioning itself as a force for positive change.
Ignoring these connections in favour of shortterm gains can lead to ethical compromises, reputational damage and a loss of public trust. Empathy allows leaders to see beyond numbers and transactions, helping them create sustainable, purpose-driven businesses that contribute to both economic success and social progress.
After the pre-meeting period of silence I mentioned earlier, we check in with each other, perhaps summing up how we are feeling that day with three words. I believe that meetings are better when it is clear there are real humans in the room.
Our connection with nature
Albert Einstein said:“ Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” When wrestling with a business or personal issue, I have often found the answer within nature.
Last summer, my wife was very keen to see some seals while we were on holiday in Shetland. We went from beach to beach and found none. But later in the day, we ended up on a deserted stretch of sand and sat quietly together and after ten minutes or so three seals appeared in the sea close to us and started playing around in the waves. At that time, we were going through a difficult period in one of the businesses and the experience of connecting with nature via the seals’ display gave me the sense that the difficult decisions we were making were the right ones.
These days it can feel like a new crisis is just around each corner, but connecting with nature can teach us much about
// how to organise our businesses in difficult times. Nature is the best example of adaptability and agility – a great demonstration of mutually beneficial symbiotic relationships that we need within our businesses and organisations. Go into nature and learn from it. My coach, Giles Hutchins, is permanently based in his woodlands in Sussex and does all his coaching sessions outside in the woods. I have learned more there than in any sessions in more sterile indoor environments. �
ONE HABIT INTRODUCED INTO WORKDAYS IN MY BUSINESS IS TO STOP AND PAUSE AND CONNECT WITH OURSELVES AT THE START OF MEETINGS.
Intelligent SME. tech
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