Become an Olympian in Business!

Did you see that special moment when Gabby Davis won the individual gold during the all-around gymnastics competition?   Were you watching as Michael Phelps broke the record for most medals won by a single Olympian?  These great athletes really know how to execute a few key strategies that lead to their monumental success:

 1. They set specific lead goals; not just lag goals. 

A lead goal is one that will help reach the desired accomplishment.  Steven Covey identifies it as one of the Four Disciplines of Execution in his book of the same title.  For example, Gabby’s lag goal might be to earn a score of 16 or better on her floor routine.   That’s the ultimate outcome she wants.  But she needs to set lead goals – those goals that will help her reach that outcome.  Lead goals might be mastering a 180 degree turn; sticking her landing after a double summersault;  or incorporating original dance moves not used in previous competitions.  Knowing the lag goal is important, but also knowing what goals will LEAD to the outcome is essential.  That’s why they are called lead goals – they lead to results!

22. They prepare to win.

It goes without saying that Olympic training is a total commitment of mind, body, and spirit.   These athletes commit.  They compromise.  They work hard.  They don’t go to the high-school proms, they stay in the pool and swim.  They don’t stay in the comfort and security of home, they move thousands of miles away from family to continue training. 

What does it take to win in any business or industry --  Spend more time making cold calls?  Read more articles about growing trends?  Greet customers in a more friendly manner?   Take a training class to improve skills in a certain area?  Seek feedback from peers, managers, and ,yes, subordinates?  It could all of these and more!  That’s what being prepared to win is about -- taking the initiative and being proactive.

33.  They know what it takes to excel above the others.   

                 They  focus on their strengths – Gabby knew that a dazzling performance on the parallel bars and a flawless floor routine were her best chances at winning the gold.  The balance beam is not her greatest strength but she can make up for an average beam score by shining in other areas.  She can become really good at the balance beam but it will likely never be her greatest asset.  

If a professional is great at customer interactions but not great at balancing budgets, she will benefit from concentrating on building relationships and establishing customer loyalty.  She can strengthen her skills at balancing a budget—she should ensure she has adequate abilities in this area-- but it will probably never be a strength.  Her customer interactions will have a far greater payoff. 

                

They know their competition. Great Olympians (and businesspeople) are prepared to give the customers/judges/audience something they are not receiving from competitors.   Phelps watches his competitors, even those on his own team.  He knows what it will take to beat Lochte and South African competitor, le Clos.  He watches the footage and studies their techniques.  That’s the only way an Olympian -- or a business professional -- can reach the pinnacle of success!

It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.  Ok.  It’s not necessarily simple.  It takes effort, self-motivation, and consistent execution.  It is, however, worth it!