What can we learn from these young Olympic leaders about the inner game of leadership? Last week, I shared with you 5 of my top 10 Olympic Observations.
Here are my second top 5 Olympic Observations.
6) Acknowledge publicly those who helped you arrive
The Olympians make a point of thanking all those who helped get them there. The true winners have checked their own egos. They know they are a vessel for performance, but they have a strong board of directors that enables, supports, encourages, and checks them at every turn.
Takeaway: Choose your team and supporters with care and invite them to contribute to your vision and goals. Make sure to let them know how they are helping and thank them privately and publicly.
7) There is no failure; just learning to learn
Olympians know that they have to keep on learning. Even as masters of their sport, there is always something new to learn. Those who learn evolve. Those who don’t stay where they are.
Takeaway: To learn is to evolve and use talents in the highest possible way. Promotion doesn’t mean you should sit still; it is an opportunity to develop your inner game.
8) Natural talent is often trumped by persistent practice.
Many Olympians are blessed with amazing physical stature. However many have also overcome limitations in their family situation, physical body, etc. Everything is trumped by persistence and determination.
Takeaway: You are not born a leader; you develop into one. If you are ready to play, there are many resources to support you.
9) You are not your score
It is hard for the athletes to realize that a score does not define them. It may feel like that at the moment, but a score is simply a label for a performance at a given time. As we have seen, that fluctuates.
Takeaway: One bad outcome does not mean you are a failed leader; it is an opportunity to take a look at what you did and who you were being that produced those results.
10) People remember you by who you are being when you are under pressure.
The most inspiring athletes are those who managed their disappointment with grace and dignity and reached out to their competitors after a defeat. In many ways that shows more about their greatness then winning.
Takeaway: You can’t control others but you can control who you are being and how you respond. Pay attention to that and see what happens.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to learn more by visiting our website at www.StepUpLeader.com and take the I.Q. Quiz.
I would love to hear the Olympic moments that resonated with you! Please comment below.