What Chief People Officers can learn from Britain's Fastest Man.

In the dynamic world of human resources, where the challenges are ever-evolving, inspiration often comes from unexpected sources. One such source of inspiration is Zharnel Hughes, Britain's fastest man and four-time European gold medallist.

Hughes' journey to becoming a top sprinter offers valuable lessons that Chief People Officers (CPOs) can apply to drive performance, foster resilience, and cultivate a winning culture within their organisations.

I have learnt so many lessons from Zhanel Hughes, however these are my top five:

1. Set Goals

Zharnel Hughes sets clear goals to stay motivated. At the 2023 New York Grand Prix, he set the world of track and field alight when he broke the 30-year-old British men’s 100m record set by Linford Christie?by 0.04 seconds and recorded a new personal best time of 9.83 to win the men’s 100m, making him the fastest man in history to represent the British flag.

What is even more remarkable was the fact that earlier in the day of the competition, he wrote down in a diary entry that he was going to run 9.83 and he did it. About a month later, on the morning of his race at the London Diamond League, he wrote ‘19.73’ in his diary ahead of the 200m race, and again he broke John Regis’s 1993 record by 0.01 seconds.

So, what goals are you setting yourself as a HR Director (HRD) or Chief People Officer (CPO)?

2. Be grateful and humble

One of the things I love about Hughes is his faith in God. He exemplifies a ‘grateful mindset, and is always so thankful to God, his coach, his team and family. In a recent interview with the BBC, Hughes said “God first and first. God, thank you. Thank you to my team, thank you to my coach. Thank you to Linford [Christie] as well, he gave me a talk. This one’s for you guys back home. This one means the world to me.”. I love Zharnel’s humility – he has no airs about him.

Who are you grateful to and what are you grateful for?

3. Embrace a Growth and Resilient Mindset

Hughes wins or learns!? Even when he doesn’t win a competition, he looks at what he could have done better and continues to train. Hughes has had his fair of injuries and disappointment; however, he remains undeterred. He came sixth during the recent Athletic games in London and has previously been disqualified for false starts, impeding another runner and because one of his teammates in a race was found guilty of doping.

?“Sometimes the timing isn’t your timing, and you have to trust your process” – Zharnel Hughes

Despite all the setbacks, he always bounces back. As CPOs, our role can be like journeying through mountains and valleys. What is important is that we keep going!

4. Leverage Data

Hughes uses data to analyse his performance and identify areas for improvement. This is important as a CPO.

Do you monitor your team’s monthly performance? How well do you track your KPIs?

What trends are you observing in the workforce and how can you address these?

5. Invest in Training and Development

Hughes trains with the Racers Track Club in Jamaica under?coach?Glen?Mills, with clubmates including Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake and Delano Williams. Successful athletes require a strong support team, including coaches, nutritionists, and physiotherapists.

Who supports you? Who is in your corner?

We all need people who can hold us accountable, challenge us and spur us onto success?

Article by Veronica Anthony-David