As the Olympic Games captivate audiences worldwide, I was wondering what we can learn from the athletes and their coaches that might help us as leaders in a business world.
It makes me reflect on the leadership qualities that drive athletes to greatness. How can we grow from good to great is something my friend Marc Lammers talks about in his book also (worth the reading)
Only the great will bring medals home, but many great will not bring a medal home, let’s never forget that, being great is not about the medals you win. It is about a state of mind in my opinion.
Let’s also not forget that behind every medal and every record-breaking performance is a coach who plays a pivotal role in shaping the athlete's journey. These coaches embody principles that extend beyond the sports and offer valuable insights for leaders in any field.
I recently read a nice article about our Belgian Red Lions in which one of the coaches says: I hope my children will have the leadership qualities of the Lions even if they never touch a hockey stick.
Coaches are often able to set clear, ambitious goals that inspire athletes to push their limits and reach new heights, which means they are visionary leaders. This kind of leadership requires not only setting goals but also crafting a detailed plan that outlines the steps needed to achieve them. As with everything you can not make great steps if you are not willing to go for baby steps as well.
I think a good coach is able to create a supportive environment where athletes feel safe to take risks and learn from failures.
The people that coached me before when I was still a dancer but also the ones that coached me as a business leader have been able to build trust. I think that is the main cornerstone of successful coaching.
Olympic coaches embrace adaptability and continuous improvement. They remain flexible, adjusting strategies as circumstances change, and encourage athletes to stay current with new techniques and approaches. This adaptability ensures they are always prepared for whatever challenges come their way.
Can we then decide that for athletes as for business leaders, resilience is one of the most important traits that defines champions?
I can’t help continuing to be inspired by the athletes and the coaches. They teach me how important it is to lead with vision, build trust, foster resilience, and embrace teamwork and adaptability.
