Andrew Marsh is a leading business mentor, company owner, Non Executive director and Vistage chair in the North East.
Throughout the last few months he has seen the ups and downs of many of the companies in the region and the changing face of business life. Here, he shares with our readers the importance of MD’s, Business Owners and CEO’s having business peers and undertaking CPD (continuous professional development). “Wise people learn when they can, fools learn when they must.”
A quote from the Duke of Wellington. And one of my favourite adages for life. “My whole approach to business and to helping others in business stems from the wisdom behind this quote. As someone who has guided large multi million pound businesses through growth, and sits on the board of a number of North East businesses destined for great things, one of my biggest pieces of advice is to continually learn. But that is hard when we have pressing deadlines, an endless to do list, family commitments, keeping control of the business day to day which can sometimes lead to low energy levels or worse. That’s why so many leaders decide against formal CPD courses as its just one more thing to add to the list! However, there is another way to learn without adding to the stress. Join a confidential peer group. A peer group is for like-minded executives to come together and tap into each other’s insights and experiences to solve their challenges, learn and grow.
“Even if you are at the top of your ladder, you need other people, and you need to keep ahead of the game with new information and skills. Never, ever rest on your laurels. It is a lonely place at the top and feeling isolated does add pressure, that isn’t needed, when making big decisions. That often leads to poor decisions too.
“Lots of people will give you advice as a CEO – many people will have opinions about your next move, but how many of them fully understand your position and advise without their own agenda?
“As a Vistage chair, it is so satisfying to see my members work through their issues, grasp opportunities and learn together. Our sessions boost the mood, energy, performance and wellbeing for everyone involved. Being in the right group is a vital part in ensuring you get the insights that improves decision-making, and spurs faster company growth.
“There really is no need for anyone in business to feel alone. And CPD doesn’t have to mean certified qualifications. Opening your mind and your heart to the right sessions where people share business experiences is a hugely rewarding practice and educational in a much more impactful way.
“My Vistage groups are a safe place, with structured meetings and 100% confidential, meaning that even the highest of fliers has a room full of people they can trust and speak openly with. Some incredibly challenging moments have been resolved in these groups which speaks volumes. There is a set criteria, meaning the peers you are matched with have relevant experience, and I personally work hard to foster quality interaction.
“Our peer advisory groups also have a strength in making its members truly accountable. The group members listen to you, to what you plan to do. Your fellow members not only expect you to deliver on it, but will also support, encourage and create sophisticated interactions to make it happen.
“As Vistage Chair, I am also the coach that guides the group and provides one on one coaching. These private sessions also boost confidence and ensure that no one is an island. I myself am a member of a Vistage Group filled with fellow Chairs from around the UK, meaning I am constantly stretching myself, learning from my peers to make my interaction with my members the best it can possibly be.
“So many Vistage members benefit from that, with one claiming that working with Andrew allows me to be myself in business instead of worrying what the rest of the company expect me to be. I perform much better that way.’
“So my advice for the rest of the year and beyond? Open your mind to the power of peers, learn from each other to increase your knowledge to find more options, so you can make better decisions, and in turn you will boost your business and look after your own wellbeing – we have less than six months of 2020 left and we all need to make it count!”
