Are you the next Olympic coach?

As we enter the final stretch of the Olympics (closing ceremony this Sunday, including Tom Cruise’s death-defying stunt), it’s useful to understand the Olympic mindset.

And -more specifically- how you can hire for champion traits, beyond the resume.

In the quest for Olympic gold, the difference between the podium & the also-rans is often not physical prowess. It’s mental toughness, adaptability, and relentless commitment.

These traits define the Olympic spirit and also can guide you in sculpting a team for long-term success. Hiring for intrinsic qualities -rather than just skills or experience- will transform your team into a cohort of corporate athletes who drive performance & innovation.

I call these characteristics "DNA" and they’re deeply-ingrained (or not) by age eight, according to psychologists. (See Chapter 2 of our bestselling book - it’s free here)

The most decorated Olympians—think Michael Phelps or Simone Biles—aren't just physically adept; they possess a psychological edge. Resilience, strategic thinking, and a continual commitment to excellence -especially under pressure- are what set them apart.

Likewise, your most effective employees are those who exhibit similar traits: adaptability, resilience, a growth mindset (another must-read) and the ability to collaborate effectively under varying pressures.

Data supports this.

According to research from Google’s Project Aristotle, the best teams aren't always made up of top individual experts, but rather of people who collectively possess soft skills like empathy, resilience, and dependability.

Just as Olympic scouts look for potential beyond current performance, you should identify candidates who may not have traditional backgrounds, but who show immense potential and champion traits.

Google and Apple prioritize such qualities over specific educational qualifications or industry experience, understanding that technical skills can be taught but core traits and attitudes are ingrained.

When assessing candidates, I’m most interested in what impact they made, how they made it, and why. This trumps where they made it that impact - the particular company or industry.

Behavioral interviews that explore how a candidate has handled past challenges can also provide insights into their potential to thrive within your organization i.e. "How did you overcome x, y, and z obstacles?"

Olympians spend years honing their skills, with a focus on continuous improvement & peak performance at the right time. Similarly, once your new hire is on board, investing in their continuous professional development is crucial.

Leadership training, resilience workshops, and mentorship programs can help cultivate high-potential employees into true corporate athletes. They’re as important as training on how to build an Excel model or how to close a sale. Companies that focus on developing these traits see higher engagement & retention rates because they invest in their employees' growth holistically.

Olympic coaches also keep athletes motivated through goal setting, continuous feedback, and a clear vision of the end goal. In your business, similar strategies will ensure that your best employees not only stay, but also thrive (i.e. monthly career development discussions, recognition programs, and opportunities for advancement)

Just as athletes are treated with care to prevent burnout and ensure long-term health, your employees benefit from a supportive work environment that prioritizes work-life balance and wellness.

This holistic support system can be crucial in retaining talent. Even Michael Phelps has been transparent about his mental health challenges. (Your team has them too, whether it’s spoken or not.)

The ethos of an Olympian—dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence—is what you should seek when you hire. It’s simple, but not easy- because they don’t appear on a resume or LinkedIn profile. You must dig to uncover them.

The next few days, as we watch the Olympians push the boundaries of human achievement, be inspired to apply these lessons in your organization.

Gold medals in the corporate world don't go to those with the most experience or the highest degrees, but to those who embody the spirit of champions in every challenge they undertake.

I’m rooting for your team, Coach!