Seine Speaks

28 Jul Seine Speaks

The Paris Olympics have opened with much fanfare. But concerns about the Seine’s pollution remain, despite 1.5 billion Euros spent. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo promised the Seine would be clean enough to host water events, even though swimming in the badly contaminated river was banned 100 years ago. To prove her point, she recently took a swim there, touting the Seine as “exquisite.” Hidalgo took desperate measures in an important battle of perception.

Your stages may be smaller but no less important. You can face your own Olympic challenges, including market fluctuations, client departures, communication systems changing, and your own “sell by…date.” That’s why we watch the Olympics—to absorb positive, inspiring models of grit and determination featuring the world’s best.

To fight your own battles of perception, keep steadfast in your messaging, but make sure it’s truthful and persuasive. If you need to do something dramatic to prove your point, do it. And follow the Olympic athletes’ lead. Set an Intention, ignore outside noise, and speak out with commitment. If the perception of you is still wobbly, get out your wet suit.