What business leaders can learn from Commonwealth athletes
Well, what another momentous week for English sport!
After last week’s heroics from the Lionesses, Team England triumphed at the Commonwealth Games – finishing with a record 176 medals, 57 of them gold.
Driven by dominance across sports such as gymnastics and diving, England beat their previous record of 174 at Glasgow 2014 – finishing just behind Australia with 178 medals.
Team England’s Mark England hailed the efforts of his team saying: “This has been an exceptional Games for Team England and what’s been exceptional about it, I think, is the fact that it’s a very young team, an ambitious team.
“We’ve got 17-year-olds who are winning gold medals. It’s by some margin the best home performance of any English team in a Commonwealth Games.”
Let’s look at what makes a Commonwealth champion.
American professional boxer Muhammad Ali, nicknamed "The Greatest," and regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century, once stated “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream a vision.”
The following are the key attributes of medal winners.
Drive and Determination
They must be driven to improve their performance every day. They’re never satisfied to just achieve the same results as last time or their competitors will overtake them. They never give up - no matter how hard it seems.
What drives you and what are your ambitions and Purpose? Photo Teo Waequyi Unsplash
Goals and Ambitions
They set clearly defined goals which they believe in and aren’t afraid to challenge ideas and opinions. By setting a clear mental picture of what they want to achieve they can start to plan their strategy.
Discipline and Commitment
They’re disciplined to follow a strict regime. Olympians don’t expect instant gratification and know that it can often take years for their vision or dream to manifest. They’re in it for the long game.
Adaptability
Although they set goals and ambitions, things always come along that they’re not expecting.
Their ability to adapt quickly to new information and situations is vital.
Competitiveness
They must want to beat their competitors, using their strengths and weaknesses against them. Medallists need to be fearless and prepared to stay committed no matter what.
Technology
Olympians use up to date technology to understand how they’re performing and how they can improve.
Productivity
They need to manage their time effectively and efficiently, putting in the hours and often sacrificing time with family and friends.
Whilst business leaders excel in the workplace rather than on the track or in the pool, there are clear correlations.
From setting clearly defined goals to adapting to new situations quickly, they can learn a lot from medal-winning athletes to help them run a successful business.
If you’d like to explore the subject of business attributes more deeply, please contact me via Email: russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.