Leadership Lessons from the Olympics 2024

Listening to interviews with Irish Olympic winners and participants offers fascinating insights. Brendan O Connor on RTE Radio 1 asked Paul O Donovan and Fintan Mc Carthy Olympic winners of the lightweight double sculls to what does he attribute their success, “the right place at the right time with the right people.” It got me thinking about leadership in the workplace, why some succeed why others don’t. It has become increasingly complex to lead in today’s world. Technology is evolving faster than ever, hybrid working, different social and economic pressures and the first half of this decade has already shown that you just never know what is around the corner. What can we learn from the attitude and approach of our Olympians ?

?This month it’s almost impossible to avoid media coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Many of us using every spare minute glued to our television screens and live streams watching the latest activities. Even if you’re not a sports enthusiast, it’s impossible to look away when these world-renowned athletes are competing against each other, setting new world records, achieving personal best and doing the impossible.

?While we often get caught up in the highs of the Olympics – the gold medals and the records – there are just as many low moments. One way or the other in the workplace we are all in the business of people, there is so much to learn and take away from this Summer’s games.

?Paul O Donovan, Fintan McCarthy, Mona Mc Sharry, Ciara Mageean,Rhys Mc Clenaghan, Kelly Harrington, Rhasidat Adeleke, Daniel Wiffen and all of our Olympians provide valuable lessons on determination, persistence, handling setbacks, goal setting, teamwork, humility, coaching, mentoring, networks of support. ?While it might be the athlete who takes the step on the podium, their achievements are only possible due to many factors including high quality coaching, the support of family and friends and their strong self-belief. Their winning formula teaches us lessons on what we can implement day-to-day as workplace leaders.

?Olympians are the best in the world, beating thousands of other athletes to represent their home countries. You can have all the skills and do all the preparation, but still not win, it is the journey that counts.

?The Paris Olympics has already had multiple photo finishes. These athletes have closed the line so close to each other that video playback and photos have had to be used to determine the winner.

?How do you overcome the stress of performing on the world stage? Triple Paralympic medalist, Stef Reid MBE, explained how pressure enhances performance, encouraging others to embrace the ‘butterflies’, because even though “the butterflies might feel uncomfortable, they help make you better”.

?In the 100m sprint, the USA’s Noah Lyles won by just five-thousandths of a second . That’s 0.005 of a second. It proves that circumstances, a little luck, and determination can make the difference between a gold medal and finishing off the podium.

?Some of the most popular Olympic sports require teamwork, from swim relays to the team title for artistic gymnastics. The USA’s women’s team winning gold showcases the importance of playing people to their strengths. While these athletes may not be at the top of their game for every individual skill, they offer a winning formula together, playing to each other’s strengths. It’s what we choose to do and what we enjoy, it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice”.

?Simone Biles, on her so-called ‘redemption tour’ during this Olympics, spoke candidly about how facing her closest rival to date, Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, “put me on my toes and brought out the best athlete in myself.”

?As the Olympics continue, it’s an opportunity for us all to draw inspiration for our? workplace experience. Put yourself in the shoes of the athletes and their coaches. Athletes do not find overnight success. The gold medals around their necks represent years – sometimes decades – of work, determination, and coaching. Rhys Mc Clenaghan gold medal gymnast states he was preparing since the age of eight.?

We can prepare our careers and teams just like elite athletes do, but even following a winning formula won’t always guarantee ultimate success. You win some, you lose some –? luck and circumstance may play a part, “the right place at the right time with the right people” but preparation, hard work, consistency and attitude will put you in the best position possible to maximise on these opportunities.

?“Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day” it is the journey not the destination that counts. ?As Kelly Harrington stated, "embrace the moment and enjoy it".

?A huge #ThankYou to everyone involved with #TeamIreland #ParisOlympics for bringing joy, hope, optimism?and valuable insights to us #Summer 24 #TeamIreland? #Community #Coaching #Mindset #Courage #Humility #Discipline. Medal winners or not you have given our country a much needed lift and brought much #Sunshine #Summer24 #Sensational