Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Race to The Top: Valuable Leadership Skills You Develop as a Runner

Those who participate in sports can learn many skills that they can use to become better leaders and more fulfilled human beings in general. Runners can develop some special skills training for foot races that they can carry over to daily life.

                                     Image source: wikimedia.org

  
  • Preparation is key - One can’t simply decide to run a marathon and race the next day. Barring the comic superhero, The Flash, no one can run 26.219 miles or more without the proper physical and mental training, the right gear, and a prepared support team. The same is true for starting on an endeavor. Leaders cannot come up with an idea and then expect it to be perfect and precise immediately. Everything requires preparation, research, and the right minds and hands to execute the plan.
  • Demeanor matters - Much like how athletes need to develop the proper form for maximum performance, leadership also has an ideal structure. That is, according to this Economist blog, to be seen as a leader and be an effective one too, a person has to project the look and sound of someone solid, reliable, powerful, and knowledgeable. This means anything from being eloquent, well-dressed, and poised.
  • Having clear goals helps - Goal-setting is an integral part of running a marathon. This undertaking is by no means easy, and can take up a lot of time. However, it doesn’t have to be an impossible quest with the right motivation and dedication. Leadership also requires a clear vision and objective, and the ability to motivate one’s team to work for the common goal.
  • Quick-thinking creates race winners and leaders - Admittedly, even with enough preparation, extraneous factors like injuries, getting lost, or inclement weather can threaten to slow runners down. Thinking clearly under duress can help a runner make the right call for any situation – whether it means powering on or choosing to go to the hospital. The same is true for a leader. Sometimes one may find solutions for problems, and sometimes it’s time to face the music and pivot. What makes one a true leader is the ability to assess the situation and make clear-headed decisions. 

Without a doubt running, as well as many other sports, can expose people to useful insights and learning experiences that can turn them into effective and efficient leaders.

                                     Image source: wikimedia.org

 Follow this Google + page for business and corporate development executive and running enthusiast Steven Rindner for more articles on leadership strategies and marathon running..

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