I started training at a local CrossFit gym a few months ago, in part motivated by some very unflattering photos of me presenting at a conference! In the article below I've set out my thoughts on the parallels of bidding and CrossFit, which of course stem from culture and the importance of creating a positive environment for your team.
In reality, whilst the article started out as a comparison of bid management and CrossFit, the parallels and lessons are useful for anyone in a management position, and particularly those who work in high-stress environments.
Managing stress is a necessary part of life, and as the pace of business gets quicker the need to be able to maintain positivity and creativity is important for all of us.
If you search for CrossFit on google you will come across feats of super human strength and endurance, and seeing the best in the world competing is certainly a sight to behold. But behind the extremes of the CrossFit Games are thousands of gyms (aka boxes) who help more average people like me get healthier, fitter and stronger. I joined my local box a few months ago, and after a slow start finding my feet I'm loving the new experience of actually enjoying going to the gym! And, on reflection, some of the unexpected lessons from becoming a CrossFitter can be applied to bid management you need to instil to win the most complex and challenging proposals.
