5 things business can learn from concussion protocols
There has been a lot of media attention in sport around concussions of late. Just like a strong impact to the head can have long-term ramifications for an athlete’s health and career, mismanagement and poor decisions making can cause a similar blow in business.
Leading sporting organisations across the country have recently put in place concussion protocols to help reduce and limit the long-term consequences of concussions for athletes. The protocols used in sports can provide valuable insights for business leaders to help prevent and manage a metaphorical ‘blow to the head’ to any business. The protocols can be applied to long-term planning and decision-making to help prevent traumatic injury in a business context.
Here are some key areas to consider:
1. Invest in prevention: Just as athletes are trained to minimise the risk of concussion, businesses should invest in measures to prevent long-term negative impacts. For example, businesses should prioritise workplace safety, employee health and wellness, and strategic planning to identify and mitigate potential risks. Promoting a culture of safety and accountability can help increase employee morale and improve productivity.
2. Prioritise early detection and intervention: Early detection and intervention are critical for preventing long-term damage from concussions, and the same is true for business issues. Businesses should develop protocols to quickly identify potential problems and take action to address them before they become more serious. An example of this is regular management reporting of financial results to enable early detection.
3. Take a holistic approach to recovery: Recovery from concussion involves a comprehensive roadmap that considers physical, cognitive, and emotional factors. Businesses should take a similar approach to long-term planning and decision-making by considering a range of factors that may impact their organisation’s health and sustainability.
4. Foster a culture of transparency and communication: Effective management of concussions requires open communication and transparency between athletes, coaches, and medical professionals. Similarly, businesses should foster a culture of transparency and communication among employees, management, and business advisors, accountants, and other professionals to identify and address potential issues early on. Fostering a culture of transparency and communication is critical for the success of any business. By encouraging open dialogue, providing access to information, and using technology to facilitate communication businesses can create an environment in which employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to the growth and success of the organisation.
5. Adapt and evolve: Protocols for managing concussions in sports have evolved over time as new research and best practices have emerged. Similarly, businesses should be prepared to adapt and evolve their long-term planning and decision-making strategies in response to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and other factors that may impact their organisation’s future success.
As business leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of our organisations, and by taking cues from the world of sports, we can help set our businesses up for a bright and sustainable future.
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Scott Edden is a Partner at Pitcher Partners Newcastle and Hunter specialising in taxation advice and assistance, financial analysis, business valuation advice, due diligence, management reporting, budgeting and cashflow management.
