25 LESSONS LEARNED FROM COMPETITIVE SPORTING LIFE FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP

There has long been conversation about the benefits of participating in sporting activity. Things like promoting general health and fitness, supporting mental health, socialisation and connection, and learning to be part of a team. There is also strong evidence the people with strong competitive sporting backgrounds are well equipped to rise to leadership roles.

The Connection Between Female Executives And Sports research found that 67% of women now occupying a C-level position had participated in sports as a working adult. Based on their research findings The Institute of Leadership asserts that former athletes have ingrained competitive drive, and capabilities such as higher levels of determination, greater resilience, leadership, goal setting and confidence, than non-athletes.

I have participated in competitive sport for much of my life, including 16 years playing first grade hockey, and more than 22 years of Calisthenics and Physical Culture (dance).

Here are my lessons learned along the way:

1. The work you do in training sets you up for success in the game and the season.
2. If you haven’t trained well enough, or consistently enough, you may not be chosen for the A team.
3. You may never be the best, though you can always become better.
4. Feedback needs to be continuous for it to make a difference.
5. Offer feedback during the event. Afterwards is too late.
6. Working together creates options working alone does not offer.
7. A star team outshines a team of stars.
8. Being excellent in your role creates the opportunity for excellence across the team.
9. Practicing when you are not under pressure, improving your skills and confidence, sets you up for the real test.
10. There is always something to improve on. From technical skills, to fitness, to mental toughness, to resilience.
11. Playing to your strengths helps unlock your potential.
12. You do not need to play a new position the same way as your predecessor.
13. Sharing your expertise and experience with the team creates opportunities for the team.
14. Building solid relationships and connection across the team, creates a team that is strong under pressure. A team that stands together.
15. Sometimes your role is to support others shine.
16. Sometimes your role is to shine.
17. Even as an individual performer, having a support team is critical to long term good performance.
18. If you aren’t fit to compete, you can still cheer from the sidelines.
19. Anyone in the team can be a leader, not just the captain.
20. You are responsible for your own performance. And for improving it.
21. You need to be in the game to win it.
22. Rest and recovery are an essential part of peak performance.
23. Recovering properly when injured, doing the recovery work, is critical to future performance.
24. The warm up and warm down routines are an important and essential part of the game.
25. Celebrate whenever you can. Progress, improvement, learning a new skill, seeing others thrive, achieving a milestone or goal. It is not only about winning.

I’d love to know your thoughts.

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