There are many parallels between business and sport; goal orientated, staying ahead of the game, focus, training, individual achievements, working as a team. It’s not unusual for retired sports stars to become business coaches as the skill sets are so seamlessly transferred to the corporate arena.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
As a leader you have to set an example. By showing a strong work ethic you will reap the rewards and have a positive effect on the people around you. Just like in sport the more you put in, the more you will get out, and the more likely you are to succeed. And like a rower training at 6am in the dead of winter, sometimes businesses can be cold and lonely places and seem a long way from your ultimate goal.
TAKE SMALL STEPS
Keep you and your staff motivated by breaking down your “big hairy goals” into little bite size chunks; short term targets. This is a tried and tested technique for athletes training towards a goal that can be daunting and seem unachievable.
TEAM WORK
Trust is key in high performing teams. Like in football, each individual on the team has to trust each other so that they can perform well and win together as a team and it also applies for business. A great team can pull together and compensate for possible weaknesses in some areas. Make sure everyone knows their roles and understands them.
TRUST YOUR LEADER
Both businesses and sports teams need strong leadership, but also total faith in their leaders throughout of the team. There will always be disagreements but for the dynamic to work everyone must trust the leader’s judgement.
