Ask Yourself: What Kind of Shape am I in?
At first glance, the question may seem irrelevant to your success as a business owner or leader. After all, you do not have to be an olympian to run a business.
Right?
Well, maybe thinking like an athlete training for the next Olympics is exactly the approach needed to really succeed. In “The Making of a Corporate Athlete” Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz spell out in detail the importance of athleticism and high achievement.
In my individual coaching, consultation, and workshops, I often use this excellent article as a reference source or even pre-work for clients. The article’s approach falls into the following areas:
Ideal Performance State
Just as an athlete might focus on perfecting a golf swing or lay-up, increasing your capacity overall allows executives, like athletes, a chance to fine tune and sustain high performance — a condition the authors call the Ideal Performance State (IPS).
Physical Capacity
Just like a basketball player, any business leader’s energy begins at the physical level. The authors talk about specific examples of executives who, once they committed to some new habits, like a daily workout, reported back results like getting more done in less time. Side benefits included less negativity, more relaxation, and a chance to suggest some of the same routine improvements to co-workers.
Emotional Capacity
The authors call this “the internal climate that supports peak performance.” That internal climate contains positive emotions for peak players. Conversely, negative emotions have devastating consequences for businesses because they insert elements like anger, frustration, and fear into an environment that thrives on emotions that are the opposite of those. In one example, the introduction of a regular workout for a leader had the effect of changing the work environment — starting with better management and leadership.
Mental Capacity
Interestingly, mental capacity is what most of us think about when we consider how to make better business managers. While this is not the only area to improve, it is critical. As an example, The authors offered training to business clients designed to do three things: focus, time management, and positive and critical-thinking skills. And meditation was used as an effective practice to improve focus, quiet the mind, and recover lost energy.
Spiritual Capacity
For the authors, “spiritual” considers the potential of generating energy that comes from recognizing one’s values and purpose. In business, leaders often need a buffer against adversity. The authors regard a strong spiritual capacity as key to overcoming issues and building resilience, motivation, and determination.
2021 is a time for all of us to grow as leaders. Make a difference in your life, the lives of your employees, and take your company to the next level. To find out more, contact Rom LaPointe.