What does Aquabiking have to do with leadership? ~ by Co-Creation Consultant, Kath Thomas

“Just as great athletes seek out great coaches, the best people want to work for leaders who coach them to reach their full potential and who will help them become better coaches themselves”

Successful Leaders Are Great Coaches (quote from an article in HBR by?Bill George and?Zach Clayton

I had the privilege of racing for Team GB on the 25th September. This time European Championships Middle Distance Aquabike. Essentially a 1900m swim in the River Nervion, Bilbao, followed by an 80km bike ride starting and finishing by the fabulous Maritime Museum.

I'm proud to report I came 2nd in my Age Group, with massive cheers and hugs from friends and family and a lovely silver medal!

The emotions for the day were many and varied, as I’m sure you can imagine.

Nervous, anticipative, optimistic, challenged, pessimistic, captivated, immersed and inspired. I’m sure I’ve missed a few, and certainly my husband was delighted.

But, back to the title; what does this have to do with leadership?

Well, it got me thinking about the experience and the sport / leadership parallels.

What stood out for me were these four things;

1.??Consistent practice to create positive habits

How do you create the right mindset to embed positive habits and keep stretching your best?

There are days when training is an absolute joy, the sun shines, the weather is kind, the training goes well, and the endorphins flow easily.

On other days, feet drag, there’s a sense Eeyore is in the room and getting the job done seems impossible.

I’ve developed my own mantras, my own way of thinking about what’s ahead and creating the right environment and support mechanisms to make sure I can get the best from myself – to rest when I need to, to push when I need to and to learn from each experience. Practice makes progress.

2.??Embrace the support and skills around you to help you do that bit better

My husband is a fabulous cook. Thanks to him I eat well.

I have friends who are better swimmers, cyclists, and runners than me. Thanks to them I have training partners, inspiration and a reason to push on.

I seek out additional support through a strength and conditioning coach. Thanks to him I manage the rigorous and sometimes relentless training regime.

3.??Keep perspective

Training and competing whilst enjoyable, significant, and super fun are not the only aspects of my life that are enjoyable, significant and super fun.

Becoming fixated is uninspiring for both me and those around me –this does happen to me sometimes by the way!

Thinking about a situation in a wise and reasonable way is both wise and reasonable!

4.??Recognise and celebrate everyone’s contribution to success

How cool to love an event, celebrate with those that have played a huge part in the journey (see 2!), soak up the success, keep my feet on the ground, reflect, take time out and feel refreshed for the next challenge.

I’m passionate about coaching and the opportunity to connect with people and their goals. Being able to help you achieve something that, to begin with, may seem out of reach.

If my experience has inspired you and you would like support with a goal in leadership, sport, or perhaps even a combination, please do get in touch. I’d be delighted to be part of your team. Contact - [email protected]