P1010538-2

A few years ago, I was persuaded by some friends to cycle the Coast-to-Coast route across England, from Morecambe to Bridlington. So, although not a dedicated cyclist, I bought the bike, the shoes and the lycra outfits and spent some time on my local country roads building up some endurance.

The first day of the trip arrived and I was nervous but excited. Within an hour that excitement had turned to frustration. I just couldn’t keep up with the group. No matter how much I tried I was left further and further behind. By the time I arrived at our first major stop, the Yorkshire village of Settle, the others had already been at the café for 30 minutes. I was exhausted.

I turned to my friend, Richard, and told him that I thought that I should give up, get the train home and let the group continue without me. Richard didn’t say anything. He simply looked at me, raised an eyebrow and went to fetch his bike pump. He returned, pumped up my tyres and patted me on the head.

Who knew that pumping up your tyres could make such a difference!?! From that moment, I was able to travel just as quickly as the rest of the group.

It’s not how hard you work that generates speed; it’s how you’re organised and set up that makes the difference.

Where do you need to pump up your organisation’s tyres, so that all your energies and efforts can be fully channelled into faster and bigger success?

© Stuart Cross 2016. All rights reserved.