Lead Like an Olympian Part 1

Female athletes from this year’s Summer Olympics dominated their sports, exemplified keen leadership skills and smashed glass ceilings all around Rio. Last week, I talked about they can teach of how to lead. This week, during a three-part series, I will talk about ways to ‘Lead Like an Olympian’ and take your business to the next level.

There is no standard recipe for becoming a successful business-owner and it is no secret that women must work harder than their male counterparts. Although there are a myriad of qualities and best practices that can lead to success, in this series, you will find six, specific characteristics, insights and suggestions to help women leaders achieve their maximum potential.

Lead Like an Olympian: Be Coachable, Gabby Douglas 

Despite winning most local competitions and dominating the gymnastics arena as a youth, Gabby Douglas always knew that she had to remain coachable in order to become an Olympian. She made the ultimate sacrifice at the age of 14 when she left her family and Virginia Beach home to train in West Des Moines, Iowa under renowned coach Liang Chow.

Over the years, she has continued to pivot and modify as necessary. She changes coaches and training facilities as necessary and always remains coachable.  “The whole point of the Olympic Games is to inspire a generation. I always wanted to play that role.” Switching facilities and trainers never stops Gabby from being coachable. With her fluidity, willingness to accept and adapt to change, and of course her amazing talent, Douglas became the first African American to win gold in the 2010 Olympic individual all-around event. She has also won team gold in 2010 and 2016.

Great leaders are coachable.

Just like athletes, business owners need to adapt to change, pivot when necessary and remain coachable. Continually learning takes a life-time to master. And, a coachable leader not only grows from their learnings, but also shares those insights with her team. Any business owner can lead like an Olympian by remaining coachable.

Lead Like and Olympian: Be steadfast, Ibtihaj Muhammad 

Ibtihaj Muhammad knew she wanted to be an athlete. However, finding the right sport to play was challenging. She had to find the right fit for not only her physical abilities, but also her religion. As a devout Muslim, she needed to remain fully covered while competing. Fencing afforded her the opportunity to fulfill all of her needs.  She was steadfast, wore her hijab and won bronze.

Muhammad believes that fencing found her. Encouraged by her mom, fencing became the perfect marriage of sports and religion. She started fencing in high school and immediately excelled. Her perseverance and steadfast resolve to fence, despite the critics around her, led Muhammad to the 2016 Olympic games. The first athlete to compete in any Olympics wearing a hijab, Muhammad is the first American woman to win a medal in a religious head scarf.

Great leaders are steadfast.

Leaders must persevere and never let one or two roadblocks alter their destination. When a leader sets her site on a mountaintop, being steadfast is the only way to make it to the peak. A steadfast leader can encourage her team to execute seemingly impossible tasks and create great change. Remain steadfast.  Act as a driving force when your team needs an extra push. Lead like an Olympian.

Another tip from your Marketing Momma,

Cheryl McCants