What does Winning Look Like?

Look at images of elite runners winning a distance race. Do they seem like people who've just run a few miles, or ten, or 26.2?

Normal people, after a marathon, often look like they're ready to curl up on the floor in the foetal position. Many of them do. But elite runners like Mo Farah tell a different story. Their appearance defies our common expectations of post-marathon exhaustion.

This brings us to an intriguing observation: elite runners don't look like they're running fast. Why? Because they don't exhibit the typical signs of effort we associate with fast running. We expect fast runners to breathe heavily, sweat profusely, and move in a jerky, forced manner. However, elite athletes like Farah are the epitome of relaxation and smooth motion, even at peak performance.

Now, let's draw a parallel to the world of software engineering. When we look at an engineering team, it's easy to mistake signs of stress for high-performance. Working late, showing irritability, and frequent 'firefighting' are often misinterpreted as signs of a team performing at its limits. But these are, in reality, signs of stress.

True high-performing teams often appear calm from the outside. They are like elite marathon runners – their efficiency and smooth workflow don't scream 'effort', yet the results are record-breaking. Companies should recognize and celebrate this. The teams and individuals who deliver exceptional results and still manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance, going home at 5, are invaluable. They are the true embodiment of efficiency and sustainable performance.

In a world where burnout and 2 AM crises are often glamorized, it's crucial to ask: What does your company celebrate? Is it the unsustainable sprints to the finish line, or the steady, sustainable pace that leads to long-term success? Remember, true winning might look calmer than you think.