The Olympic Games just wrapped up in Paris. It has been a fabulous two weeks of sport and more importantly a coming together of people from around the world. We’ve enjoyed the close competitions and stories of success and heartbreak. Reflecting on the games, there are many connections between sport and leadership. We can learn so much from what we’ve enjoyed over the past couple of weeks. Here are my top five leadership lessons.
#1 Play the long game and keep the goal in front of you
None of the athletes we’ve just watched decided recently to pursue their sport, let alone set a goal to become the best. Theirs are stories stretching back years. At the same time, each will have set a goal to be their best. They will have had setbacks that challenged their commitment. They will have doubted themselves but they kept their goal in front of them. What long term goal are you pursuing?
#2 Enjoy the journey
This is a tough one for me. I am generally goal oriented and it is easy to fall into the story of achievement. The goal is everything. For these athletes, consistency is key. Working out every day on a consistent basis. To do this you have to enjoy the journey. You have to enjoy the process of getting better and the times when you don’t. What is your journey and are you paying attention to it?
#3 Celebrate the outcome
The athletes all have goals. Some are to be the very best, others may be to be the best they can be. For some getting to the games is the goal. As we watched the conclusion of various competitions, it was nice to see athletes celebrating. Not just the medal winners but the athletes who simply did their best. I find it easy to achieve something and move on to the next thing. Are we taking time to enjoy the moment, whatever we have achieved? However it turned out?
#4 Don’t put yourself ahead of others
While I’ve enjoyed most celebrations, there are a few that stand out and not for the right reasons. A few of them stick in my mind for what they represent. The winner putting themselves above all others. Subtly putting their fellow competitors down in the process. The games aren’t about you, they are about all of you including your fellow competitors. I compare to the athletes who immediately seek out the competitors they just beat to give them a hug. How would you like to be remembered?
#5 It is bigger than each of us
The Olympic Games remind me that life is bigger than each of us. Even though we generally celebrate the individual, without ‘us’ there wouldn’t be a games. From the beginning to the end, the Olympic Games were about community. The community of global athletes that came together to celebrate each other. What are you doing to uphold and celebrate your community?