Fearlessness: Business Leaders vs. Athletes
Margit Takacs
Taming the Chaos Change as a Consultant, Trainer, Award-winning author of the book "Change Matters" and Coach (PCC)
What do business leaders and professional athletes have in common that makes them more open to change? They fear less. Why?
There is a physiological reason as to why humans tend to actively avoid changing situations. When things are out of our control, stress hormones start acting up and a ‘danger’ alert flashes in our brain hardwired that way since… prehistoric times.
Obviously, in business as in sports, leaders share the same human prehistory and simultaneously have also experienced personal blocking traumas. So, what exactly sets them apart from the population allergic to change?
When hitting a wall or an obstacle, top achievers recognise a challenge and take the risk to climb the wall, never giving up as nothing is set in stone for them. From the days in the cave, they remember a comfort zone is only temporary and in so doing, show a growth mindset.
Another characteristic the top group has in common is self-awareness; being aware of emotions, strengths and weaknesses, and real or self-imposed limits. Far from artificial intelligence their humanity is all-pervading and shows through emotional intelligence whereby they remain open to feedback and other cultures.
Armed with this openness, a growth crowd person manages to control the situation much better and, consequently, fears less. Moreover, a whole team surrounds each of them which they acknowledge makes all success possible. We find that obvious for sports people with their teammates, coaches, and medical staff but in fact, a similar ecosystem supports the setup and running of a company.
Finally, as Nora Szanto, a High-Performance Specialist, Author, and CEO of the Kari Group explains in our virtual summit discussion*: “People with a fixed mindset look at effort as a sign of weakness. To them, it means ‘I am not talented enough’. But growth mindset aficionados know the effort is everything.”
*If you recognise yourself in this portrait of both worlds, you might enjoy my recent discussion with Nora Szanto, High-Performance Specialist, Author, and CEO of the Kari Group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx23mQYLj8Y
Business Strategist, Protector of Entrepreneurial Spirit, Traditionally-Published Author, Chief Connector
1 年Fascinating insights! Indeed, top leaders and athletes have a unique relationship with fear and change.
Entrepreneur, Author, Dreamer
1 年Margit Takacs Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, and change often brings about uncertainty. However, individuals who excel in their fields have learned to embrace change as an inevitable part of growth and progress. ?
Coaching global professionals in impact to go for what they want. ? International Career, Life, Expatriation, Cross-cultural work ? 1:1 Coaching ? Corporate training ? 15+ countries ? German, English ? Read About ??? ??
1 年Margit, so important to keep reminding us. We can train a growth mindset and don't have to succumb to what we were given or have learned in our early years. Carol Dweck's books are worth a read for everyone who wants to dive into growth mindset.
Organizational Consultant I High Performing Teams I Leadership Development I Executive Coach
1 年Love it! Great reflections as always Margit Takacs ??