What can business teach us?
I was at a networking event and chatting to some people involved in start-ups. They were interested in my experience in the Commonwealth Games and as newly appointed Performance Director for Jersey Rowing Club.
I suggested that the worn-out stories about how sporting effort, focus, goals, commitment can be transferred into business are defunct. They were surprised. In truth it is a very odd bunch that want to push themselves to physical and emotional limits and the idea that these experiences can be applied to business is false.
Here is a real story, with false names…
Colin was moving on from his job and was looking for a successor. He realised that Karen was bright, talented and well placed to do the work. Colin suggested that he’d show Karen all the tasks and let her have a go, so that when the promotion opportunity came she would be ideally placed. To his surprise Karen declined the offer, saying “I’m not paid enough to do that”.
For Colin this was a surprise because as an athlete he always assumed that the hard-work, training and preparation would come before any potential reward. Karen however was more cautious of making a commitment that may not result in a reward.
End of Story
The similarities between Sport and Business are in the people, not the nature of the organisation. Highly motivated people in sport or charity are likely to be highly motivated people in business. It’s not the sport or charity that makes them this way, but the nature and nurture of their experience.
What is more interesting, and not new, is what business can teach Sport. Sir Clive Woodward’s book Winning! is the bible for this and I recommend it to anyone.
I have been appointed ‘Performance Director’ for Jersey Rowing. (See link below) I am interested in what local business leaders can teach a bunch of athletes who are starting to get their heads around the idea of winning the Coastal Rowing World Championships within 5 years.
What do you have to offer?
LINK
http://jrcperformance.blogspot.com/
CONTACT
I am a keen coffee collaborator. You could post a reply, but if you’re in Jersey why not accept an invitation for coffee to discuss.
Tim HJ Rogers
Consult Co-Create Deliver
Mob 447797762051
Web TimHJRogers.com
Twitter @timhjrogers
