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February 2006

The Flying Tomato, and Leadership as a Solitary Sport

If you watched the snowboarding halfpipe competition in the Winter Olympics, you know that “the Flying Tomato” is Shaun White, the snowboarding Gold Medalist whose nickname refers to his long red hair.

During practice runs, a reporter asked if it worried him
watching the other competitors practice, and seeing how good they are.

He answered, “Not really, because when I’m out there competing, I feel like I’m really competing against myself, not the other snowboarders.”

This also applies to leadership, which really is a solitary
activity.

Maybe that’s why I prefer watching these solitary Olympic sports. You can always get a good look at the athlete’s face as he or she anxiously stands in the starting gate, waiting for that split second when the event begins.

You can see the nervousness, and also the excitement, in that person’s face, because that person knows it’s all on the line right now, and that his or her performance is all that matters.

That it’s not about the other athletes, or the snow or the ice. It’s about what that athlete does in those brief minutes of competition.

I feel that way when I’m being introduced to give a speech, or workshop, or even before I begin an important meeting.

Leadership really is a solitary activity. I realize that you
have others on your team to support you, but when you’re actually leading, in a big moment like an important presentation before the board, or in daily interactions with others, you’re competing against yourself.

It’s not you versus those on your staff, or you versus your bosses. It’s about how you, as an individual leader, perform in those situations. That’s when you’re competing against yourself to perform to the utmost of your ability.

Athletes know that it’s not just about athletic ability.
Success in these sports also depends on the mental, emotional discipline that allows the athlete to shut out everything else, and focus on his or her performance.

The same applies to your leadership. And to prepare for those moments, big and small, you need to prepare the way athletes do. By preparation, I’m not just talking about practicing those leadership skills, such as giving presentations, or being prepared to lead a meeting.

Yes, those things are important, and you should make absolutely sure you’ve practiced and rehearsed until your performance looks smooth and flawless.

But I’m talking here about the mental preparation. I believe, as do athletes, in the power of the brain to improve physical performance.

For example, many athletes know the importance of short, positive, performance-related affirmations, repeated over and over. Athletes believe that such repetition gives them a mental edge that conditions the mind and body for enhanced performance.

For a leader it could be, “I’m likable, entertaining, and
dynamic!” for a presentation. Or, “I’m relaxed and in control” for an emotionally charged discussion. Whatever you choose, it should be positive, short, and performance related.

Another technique used by athletes is visual imagery. They visualize their performing at the highest level of performance. They literally spend time with their eyes closed visualizing what their peak performance looks like.

Studies have shown that this technique, repeated over time, can improve performance.

I even read of one athlete who while injured and unable to practice, spent tons of time visualizing his peak performance. We’re not talking daydreaming here, but time spent in concentrated, disciplined, mental imagery.

It’s what top athletes do. It’s what all leaders should do.

I believe leadership is everyone’s business. Whether you’re the top person in your organization, a supervisor, or a front line employee, you’re trying to lead others to achieve your vision.

If you’re in sales or business development, you’re trying to lead people to purchasing a good or service that will improve their lives.

It’s not a competition between you and those you’re trying to lead. It’s a competition between you and yourself to lead to the best of your ability.

What are you doing to improve your performance? Are you using techniques of positive affirmations and visual imagery? They’re worth a try. If they’re good enough for the Flying Tomato, they’re good enough for me.

Until next edition, keep leading the way!

Copyright (C) 2006 by Terry Wall

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