Are you in the mining business, or are you a farmer?

Too many businesses these days are plundered. Not just by greedy 'buy it, build it, break it' investors, but by leaders without long-term vision. So focused on quarterly reports that they don't look to the future.

And when the figures don't add up they find ways to make it happen. Which often involves whittling away at its assets: physical, cultural and intellectual. Ultimately this destroys reputation, trust and appeal.

Leaders who have the courage and stamina to look at the long term have the power to make something very special happen. To build something that is viable for the now, but which becomes increasingly valuable as the years roll out. Something that can grow in more than numbers: in impact, in loyalty, in affection.

There's a world of difference between longevity and disposability. This is, of course, often down to ownership.

So if you own or run a company, how can you farm it rather than mining it?

The start point is to know it really, REALLY well. Its people, its places, its assets and its seasons. You need to walk the land in all conditions to make that happen. Because if you don't fully understand the breadth and depth of your business, you cannot steward it for the people who come next.