It’s not news that business draws important leadership and achievement models from high performance sport. And when it comes to the Olympics, what an opportunity for reflection and learning from the outstanding technical expertise and fine character that have graced our screens over the past two weeks.
Having the courage to proceed
The first business lesson must surely emanate from the fact the Games happened! Already postponed one year, the pressure to cancel was immense. Political pressure came from the Japanese people themselves (close to launch, 80%+ were not in support). Similarly, pressure came from the scientific experts warning that the Games were sure to be a Covid 19 super-spreader. These experts predicted dire outcomes. Such pressure must have made the decision to proceed a nerve-wracking line call. Analysis of all such information led eventually to a finely calculated risk which has brought a global opportunity to so many – well prepared athletes and armchair voyeurs world-wide.
The Tokyo Olympics is important for showing us how to step out of the fear borne of isolation – individually and as a nation - and reconnect with the global community. To do so we must think outside the square, be courageous, agile, and innovative and learn to operate alongside Covid, if it dares to raise its head.
Meticulous attention to detail delivering excellence
The Japanese have certainly demonstrated how to deliver under pressure. To a novice, external observer, delivery of these Games looked like nothing less than a logistical nightmare. However, the Japanese have presented the world a logistical master class! Whilst without doubt, Covid 19 (and the fear of the rampant Delta strain) detracted from the overall experience of the Olympics, the Japanese skillful planning and implementation kept athletes safe in a potentially lethal context and went a long way to delivering a high class, memorable experience.
High Performance – the output of outstanding commitment, clear purpose, resilience and self-belief
As we turn to the athletes themselves, we take a moment to celebrate “little New Zealand”. What a feast of excellence - how did we manage such a result?
Many of the sports in which New Zealanders have succeeded happened because of long-term investment including careful succession planning – rowing and canoeing immediately spring to mind. Such sports speak of their success being anchored in long term planning – articulating a vision of what’s possible, goal setting, support for individuals and teams and rigorous attention to detail in training and performance; never holding back from courageous conversations as required – inspiring the unfailing commitment and ultimately the high performance of their athletes.
The joy though for those of us watching from afar was also present in the range of success – often unexpected, where athletes stepped up to achieve their personal best and beyond; for example, that bronze in the tennis doubles, trampoline and of course, the amazing two silver medals in the cycling from relative unknowns! Whether or not our success came in the well-known sports where the infrastructure is so clearly in place, it was joyful to witness the commitment to achieve; the perseverance of individuals who responded to previous adversity by digging deep into self-belief and a desire to get better. No one will have forgotten the remarkable performance of the indefatigable Emma Twigg who finally achieved her well-won Gold. The ability of Twigg and the phenomenal Lisa Carrington are nothing if not inspiring. Coaches speak of the ability of their athletes to be absolutely present in the very moment, demonstrating nerves of steel and outstanding focus.
Gratitude and hope for the future – leading the way
The global community without doubt owes a debt of gratitude to the people of Japan who in the face of Covid, opened their country to the world and, in their renowned, inimitable style, hosted their fellow mankind with respect and deep care.
The quality of delivery– at all times under extreme global scrutiny - has given us plenty to reflect on, to celebrate and to learn. We’ve witnessed numerous lessons in courage, vision, planning, agility, innovation, and respect for others. Most especially, for those of us sitting in the safety and comfort of our living rooms, we have all had the opportunity to enjoy a positive two weeks in what has been a year of darkness! And, for that we are grateful.