Lessons From The Water

Two weeks ago, James Todd & Co took to the water for the very first time, entering the annual Dragon Boat Race on Chichester Canal. The event, held in support of CancerWise and The Chichester Rotary Club, brought together a range of local teams for a fun, energetic day of competition, all for a brilliant cause.

The sun was shining, spirits were high, and our team – along with their families – came together to cheer, support and paddle. We had no idea what to expect, but we were enthusiastic and ready to give it our best shot.

Going into it, I assumed that strength would be the most important ingredient for success. If we placed our strongest, fittest team members in the boat, we might just have a chance. But I quickly discovered that strength alone wouldn’t win the race. Timing was everything. Some of our more experienced rowers explained that unless we were pulling together in sync, we’d fall behind – no matter how powerful we were individually.

Sure enough, in our first race, when the team focused on rhythm and communication, we worked together beautifully – and won. It was a proud moment. In the second race, however, we let adrenaline get the better of us. Everyone pulled harder, but not together – and we lost time, finishing nine seconds slower. The contrast between the two was a powerful visual representation of how teams succeed – or stumble – in any environment.

The day was full of laughter and camaraderie, but it also offered some surprising leadership and teamwork lessons. Here are some reflections I took away from our time on the water.

Timing Is Everything

In rowing, as in business, timing plays a critical role. If even one rower is slightly out of sync, the boat begins to drag. Momentum is lost. The same can be said for project delivery or collaboration – well-timed actions, aligned with the broader team rhythm, lead to greater outcomes. Good timing requires awareness, discipline, and trust in those around you.

Strength Doesn’t Win Without Unity

It was a surprise to discover that strength wasn’t the winning factor. Our second race proved that clearly. When each person rowed harder but not together, our power didn’t translate to speed. It was a clear reminder that strength without coordination leads to inefficiency. True success lies in harnessing individual capabilities as part of a cohesive whole.

Shared Goals Drive Collective Effort

In rowing, there’s only one goal – to cross the finish line as quickly as possible. Every team member must focus on that single purpose. There’s no space for diverging priorities. This is an important lesson for business environments, where misalignment in goals can quickly lead to fragmented efforts. When everyone knows the destination, getting there becomes simpler.

Trust Builds Momentum

A rower sits with their back to the finish line, unable to see where the boat is headed. That requires trust – in the coxswain steering the team, and in each other to keep pace and direction. Similarly, in the workplace, we all need to rely on colleagues and leaders to guide the way. When trust is present, movement is smooth and confident.

Communication Keeps the Team on Course

The coxswain’s role is vital – they communicate clearly and consistently to steer and set the pace. One strong voice guiding the rhythm makes all the difference. In our teams, clear and timely communication prevents confusion and missteps. It allows us to correct course quickly and keep progressing, even when conditions change.

Carry More Than Your Share – Willingly

One of the most admirable aspects of a rowing crew is that every member expects to pull more than just their own weight. They embrace the collective challenge. In business, this mindset builds resilience. When team members step up without hesitation, it creates an atmosphere of support and shared accountability.

Adaptability in Unpredictable Conditions

While the water may have looked calm, the canal – like any business environment – had its surprises. Conditions changed, timing shifted, and we had to adapt. The ability to stay flexible and responsive was key to each race. It’s a skill we all need in our working lives, especially when plans change or obstacles appear.

A Shared Victory

Although we didn’t take home a trophy, the experience was an incredible success. It strengthened team bonds, gave us new perspectives, and reminded us how important collaboration, trust and communication are – whether on the water or in the workplace.

We’re incredibly proud to have supported two wonderful causes, and to have raised £1830 in the process. If you’d like to support CancerWise and The Chichester Rotary Club, it’s not too late – donations can still be made via their Just Giving page. 

Here’s to teamwork, timing, and a few sore arms – we’ll definitely be back for another go next year.