It starts with a “Peak Performance” culture. Elite sport fosters a culture of excellence, discipline, and accountability. Moving to business, cultivating a performance driven culture where everyone strives for excellence can improve productivity and morale, but only providing you have the right culture! This is vital as it fosters the right behaviours before even thinking of planning!
How about goal creation and then the execution of ? Athletes set clear, measurable performance targets, some of which are time-bound goals (e.g., competition cycles etc.) In business, there are business critical KPIs & milestones that keep teams aligned and focused. Think SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Marginal gains become critical. In sport, Team Sky in cycling started the trend with a focus on 1% improvements across multiple areas. It’s now used across sport. In business, small, consistent improvements in processes, customer service, or tech changes can add up to major competitive advantage. Small wins, when added up, can become game-changers.
What then of resilience and adaptability? In sport, there will be injuries, losses, and setbacks, which all become part of the game. Compare that to business, with market shifts, economic downturns, and of course your competition, which will require the need for resilience and a growth mindset. The best bounce back stronger, make sure that you develop mental and organisational toughness.
The use of feedback! In sport, athletes receive real-time feedback from coaches, video analysis, and performance data…its fast and dynamic, but business still needs regular, constructive feedback and coaching which fosters learning & faster performance improvement. Create feedback rich environments to accelerate growth.
The knock on effect of this is data analytics which develops the use of tactics, recovery, training, and recruitment. In business, data driven decision making, leads to better strategies and customer insights. Measure what matters, and act on it.
Target identification and development. This never stops in sport…constantly scouting and nurturing talent is core to long-term success. So too, in business. Hire for potential, invest in employee development, and create pathways for growth. Your people are your competitive advantage, make sure you develop them.
Never forget preparation and recovery. Elite athletes spend as much time preparing and recovering as performing. Never forget that overwork leads to burnout. Rest, reflection, and mental health are crucial for sustainable performance.
Finally having a winning mindset. Champions visualise success, embrace pressure, and thrive on competition. Reflecting on business, cultivating a mindset of ownership, confidence, and accountability leads to better execution.
Make sure that you recognise what we can learn, and develop your own Champions!
Derek Jeter
