The ‘freedom’ to make better decisions

So, the rules have been relaxed in England, hugging is allowed and, if you fancy it, face to face business meetings can be scheduled. The onus now switches to the individual and to businesses to decide on the level of precautions they take.

Most service companies adapted to lockdown conditions extremely quickly and mastered the technology required to continue to service clients and to deliver new business presentations effectively.

An enormous amount of time was saved – no more brainstorms to decide what colour the flowers should be in reception or whether the water bottles should be in the centre of the table or on a sideboard. Simply put, there was much more focus on the content and outcome of meetings. And on keeping toddlers and pets out of the room while speaking.

It will be interesting to see what lessons businesses have learned. Do you need so many people attending a meeting that several have to sit in the awkward second row of seats by the window? Do you need trays of expensive, handcrafted uneaten pastries wilting in the heat (whilst simultaneously showing off your green credentials)?

No doubt some of these practices will gradually return, but in essence clients will still be looking for talented teams with a genuine interest in making their business successful, at a fair price and with mutual KPIs.

If you need a refresher in what really matters, please give me a shout.