Have you considered how global relocation is like preparing for and running a marathon?
What are the stages of a corporate relocation?
A corporate relocation typically moves through five stages: initiation and policy review, a needs assessment with the transferee and family, planning (home sale or lease exit, home-finding and immigration where needed), the household goods move itself, and settling-in support at destination, followed by expense reconciliation and feedback. As with marathon training, most of the work happens before move day.
A marathon story from our own team
The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, the largest marathon in the world that year, saw more than 51,000 runners cross the finish line after 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of the city. We are proud that our own Dale Klein completed the 2023 New York City Marathon! The marathon as we know it today is more than 120 years old, but long-distance footraces go back to the ancient world.
The marathon has been an Olympic event since the modern Olympics began in 1896, but nothing like it was ever seen in the ancient Olympics, held from 776 BC to 393 AD. The longest race then, the dolichos, was less than 5 km. The marathon was adopted as a central part of the modern Olympic program and takes place in countless cities all over the world today, largely because of its popular appeal to the imagination.
While marathons and the relocation industry may seem quite different on the surface, there are some unique parallels. Here are the key points of comparison, relocation first:
1. Endurance and long-term commitment
Relocation: Relocating, whether for personal or business reasons, often involves a long-term commitment and a significant amount of time and effort. It is not a transactional event but a process that can take weeks or even months to plan and execute successfully. You can count on your relocation management company to communicate clearly and often throughout the relocation journey.
Marathon: Running a marathon is a test of physical endurance and mental determination. It requires months of training and preparation to build the necessary stamina to complete the race.
2. Planning and preparation
Relocation: A successful relocation requires careful planning, from finding a new location to packing belongings, scheduling the movers, home-finding, and coordinating visa and immigration support. Having our in-house moving services under the same roof as the relocation team keeps those pieces in one plan.
Marathon: Runners meticulously plan their training regimens, diet, and race-day strategies to optimize their performance. This includes selecting the right gear and understanding the course. Building endurance helps runners physically and emotionally.
3. Adaptability and flexibility
Relocation: Unexpected challenges can arise during a move, such as delays, damaged items, or unforeseen logistical issues. Relocation and moving professionals must be adaptable, listen to their clients and transferees, and follow a prompt service-resolution process.
Marathon: Runners need to adapt to changing conditions during the race, such as weather, terrain, and their own physical state. Flexibility and quick decision-making are crucial.
4. Support and expertise
Relocation: Relocation management companies, moving companies, and other professionals offer their expertise to help individuals and organizations make smooth transitions to new locations. They provide essential support and guidance, and a well-coordinated, experienced team helps ensure clear communication with the client and transferee. That is the role of our relocation management services.
Marathon: Many runners benefit from coaches, trainers, and support teams who provide guidance and expertise to help them achieve their best performance.
5. Goal-oriented
Relocation: Relocating also involves a specific goal, such as moving to a new city, office, or home. Success is defined by the transferee achieving a smooth and efficient transition to the new location, and it takes a coordinated team of aligned experts to get there. That includes remembering the essential details of family support, cultural assistance, language learning, and school searches, supported by good destination information. A well-executed plan is essential to minimizing disruptions and giving the entire family peace of mind.
Marathon: Runners have a clear goal, which is to complete the race within a certain time or simply to finish. They set milestones and work toward achieving them.
6. Evaluation and reflection
Relocation: After a move, individuals and organizations assess the process to determine what went well and what could be done differently in future relocations. Throughout, duty of care for clients, transferees and relocation professionals remains a key focus.
Marathon: After the race, runners often reflect on their performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. They use this feedback to rest, recover, and set new goals. Adequate rest helps prevent injuries and mental burnout.
In both cases, endurance, planning, adaptability, support, and goal setting are essential components for success. While marathons focus on physical achievement and endurance, the relocation industry concentrates on the care and attention to detail an organization needs to deliver a seamless move.
Planning a relocation? Talk to our team before your next move starts.