Summoning the Winston Churchills of Cannabis
When the going gets tough...
“You ask what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terror. Victory however long and hard the road may be. For without victory there is no survival.”
—First speech as Prime Minister, House of Commons, 13 May 1940.
Times are tough even precarious at most cannabis firms. Without drastic action (and a dollop of luck), many of these businesses aren’t going to see the end of 2025.
In critical times, the mettle and talent of the CEO moves front and centre. Their actions, words and decisions can be the difference between success and failure.
Unless they are a turnaround specialist, most CEOs don’t have the experience to walk a firm back from death’s door. And, there is insufficient time and financial runway to learn on the job.
Fortunately, there are good role models to ape. Managers can learn valuable lessons from the best turnaround leader of the 20th century, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Churchill literally saved Western Civilization during World War 2. His stoic leadership began in Britain’s darkest hour in 1940 when that country stood alone against the Axis powers, continuing on to the allied victory in 1945.
WC belies easy labelling. He was an aristocrat, journalist, and autodidact with his share of character flaws including excessive drinking and being a spendthrift.
Still, much can be learned from this man. Here are 5 lessons for ‘under siege’ cannabis leaders:
1. Stick to a plan
When Churchill made the momentous decision to continue the war, he brought together his political rivals and collaboratively developed a war plan. He didn’t waver despite the toil, setbacks, and costs.
2. Focus on communications
WC understood the power of the written & spoken word, and speaking directly and honestly to the people. He would labour for hours on important speeches, focusing on stirring messages that reinforced the greater aims.
3. See things firsthand
Churchill never relied on bureaucrats or generals for all his knowledge. He regularly visited the front and previously experienced combat as a soldier and journalist.
4. Surround yourself with smart people and invite their dissenting opinions
But, he also didn’t hesitate to sack under performers and non-team players.
5. Be a continuous learner
Despite being a failed student, WC was intellectually curious, a voracious reader and a leader who was at ease diving into the minutia and numbers.
The last word goes to the PM-
“This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
—Harrow School, 29 October 1941.
Reach out if you need help surviving and thriving in these difficult times. Been there, done that.
#winstonchurchill #turnarounds #MSOS #LPS #survival