The Five Key Lessons Running Has Taught Me About Leadership

by: David R. Freedman, MBA

As a passionate runner and an aspiring leader, I’ve discovered that the discipline and mindset cultivated through running directly translate to success in leadership. Every mile I run teaches me something profound about perseverance, focus, and connecting with others. Here are five lessons running has taught me that have elevated my leadership skills—and they just might transform yours too.

1. Consistency Outweighs Intensity

Running isn’t about sprinting once and calling it a day—it’s about showing up regularly, even when conditions aren’t perfect. Similarly, leadership requires consistent effort over time. Consistency builds trust, credibility, and momentum within your team. Whether it’s providing regular feedback, showing up to tough conversations, or championing your team’s vision, it’s the daily, seemingly small actions that lead to big results.

2. Embrace Discomfort to Achieve Growth

Every runner knows the pain of pushing through a tough workout or hitting “the wall” in a marathon. The same principle applies to leadership: growth happens outside your comfort zone. As a leader, you must lean into challenging situations—whether it’s making difficult decisions, navigating conflicts, or innovating in uncertain times. The ability to embrace discomfort sets the tone for your team and inspires them to face their own challenges with courage.

3. Set Clear Goals and Trust the Process

Running teaches the importance of setting a goal—whether it’s completing a 5K or qualifying for a marathon—and creating a training plan to achieve it. In leadership, goals are your North Star, but the path to achieving them requires patience and adaptability. Focus on incremental progress rather than immediate results. Celebrate small wins along the way, and trust that disciplined effort will lead to big outcomes.

4. Leadership Is a Team Sport

While running may seem like an individual endeavor, the greatest experiences come from running with others—whether it’s a group run or cheering on fellow racers. Similarly, leadership isn’t a solo act; it’s about building and empowering a team. Listen to your team members, foster collaboration, and celebrate collective victories. Just like a relay race, your success as a leader depends on how well you pass the baton and uplift those around you.

5. Mental Strength Is Everything

Every runner encounters moments of doubt: “Can I really keep going?” Overcoming these mental hurdles builds resilience—a key trait in leadership. When faced with setbacks or uncertainty, strong leaders maintain a positive mindset, focus on what they can control, and keep moving forward. Running has taught me that the battle is often won in the mind, and the same applies when leading others through challenging times.

Final Thoughts

Running has a unique way of distilling life’s greatest lessons into every step, breath, and mile. It has taught me that leadership isn’t about being the fastest or strongest but about showing up, adapting, and inspiring others along the journey.

To my fellow runners and leaders: lace up, hit the ground running, and remember that the lessons you learn on the road can fuel your journey to greatness.

Copyright 2025 David R. Freedman, MBA