Get us to 10

I’m not much of an Olympics watcher. Except for that one spectacular year when my college roommate was in the Olympics and we all went to watch her win an actual Olympic medal. That was surreal.?

But aside from that, I don’t get all that into it usually. This year feels different though, right? Extra fun to watch. And I don’t think it’s just me.?

We're all feeling the stress, the tension, the constant pressure to perform. But for a few glorious weeks, we get to take a breather and lose ourselves in the spectacle. But it’s not just a distraction; it's a masterclass in what peak performance really looks like.

And beyond the actual physical heroism, I’m here for the celebrity levity. Have you caught any of Snoop Dogg and Kevin Hart? Pure gold. Bringing laughs and relatability to these superhuman feats. It's a reminder that even at the highest levels, there's room for joy and authenticity. When was the last time you saw that kind of genuine enthusiasm in a boardroom? Or a TownHall??

But let's dig deeper. What can we learn from these athletes who've dedicated their lives to excellence?

1. Embrace vulnerability: Creating a space where people feel safe to discuss their struggles can lead to stronger, more resilient teams?
2. Celebrate others' successes: A rising tide lifts all boats. Fostering an environment of mutual support and recognition can drive everyone to perform better?
3. Prioritize mental well-being: It's not just about physical performance. Mental health is crucial for sustained excellence
4. Balance seriousness with joy: There's room for both intense focus and lighthearted moments. Finding that balance can lead to a more engaged and motivated team
5. Acknowledge the journey: Success isn't just about the end result. Recognizing the effort and growth along the way is key to building confidence and resilience
6. Resilience in the face of setbacks: The ability to recalibrate and refocus is astounding. How often do we let one setback derail an entire project or quarter??
7. Support systems: Behind every athlete is a team of coaches, trainers, and supporters. They're not doing it alone, and neither should we expect our employees to. Are we providing the right mentorship, resources, and coaching to help our people shine?

Companies are always harping on about performance, but too often it's through the lens of metrics, KPIs, and quarterly reports. It’s especially true in this moment - all we’re hearing is “now’s the time for a return to performance.” The Olympics remind us that true excellence doesn’t happen one day to the next. We must build towards it over time.

The Olympics give us a glimpse of what humans are capable of when they're given the right support, motivation, and stage to shine. What would it take to bring this Olympic level of commitment and excellence to our work? How can we create an environment where people are excited to push their limits, support each other, and strive for greatness?

To drive exceptional performance, we need to build a culture of respect, support, and genuine care for our people. We need to focus not just on the wins but on the journey that gets us there.?

How are you building this into your culture? If you’ve been watching, any take-aways you’d add to the list above? (7 is awkward, so I am really looking for you all to round us out to 10!)

Join Us:

• 1) Real Talk: Managers Now - supporting managers with their ever growing responsibilities
• 2) ERG Roundtable - this month is all about cross-ERG collaboration as ERGs set-up for 2H
• 3) Tension at the Table - what you need to know to support your org through election season

What we’re reading:?

• Put the rat on the table?
• How to build in person moments that matter
• Corporate America’s massive DEI Opportunity?
• How to shape organizational culture for success?
• Can you ‘unboss’ yourself without ruining your career
• It’s getting harder for companies to keep politics out of work