Winning A Gold Medal as A Leader
A leader’s job is to provide vision and direction. However, no matter how clear the vision and direction, nothing happens without the engine: the people who make it all happen. I submit that one of the most important jobs of a leader is to empower and develop their people. That capability and demonstration define gold medal leadership.
Gold medal leadership is a concept to consider following another season of spectacular Olympics. I congratulate all the Paris 2024 Olympians. That said, I’m most excited about three particular Olympians.
One is Julien Alfred from my adopted island of Saint Lucia. Julien gave the small island its first Olympic medals: Gold in the 100m women’s race and Silver in the women’s 200m race.
The next is Thea LaFond from my birth island of Dominica. Thea gave our small island its first Olympic medal. It was Gold in the women’s triple jump.
Finally, the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), Simone Biles. She broke all kinds of records by winning a treasure trove of medals in gymnastics. We can all agree there’s something special about gold medal winners. And you know what? The same goes for gold-medal business leaders.
Olympic Style Leadership
Considering what it takes to be an Olympian, it’s undeniable that certain qualities of Olympians mirror those of the most effective leaders.
For example, like competing at the Olympic level, effective leadership takes commitment, hard work, sacrifice, dedication to your craft, diligence, and choosing the right path versus the easy one.
Similar to Olympians, leaders are goal-oriented and driven to deliver results. However, gold medal leaders focus not only on the results but also on making transformative changes in the lives and future of others.
Why This is Important
It is crucial for leaders to go beyond just focusing on the results and focus on their impact on the development of their people. That’s because employees who feel respected and valued, and that their interests are important are more engaged and dedicated to delivering excellence.
Leaders who place a high value on the nurturing and development of others will foster a healthy organizational culture. That’s foundational to delivering top-tier results and significant innovations.
Gold medal leaders not only deliver best-in-class results but position their organization to be competitive well into the future.
Characteristics of a Gold Medal Leader
Gold medal leaders have a heart for others and are committed to their growth and development. They help their people thrive, not just survive. Their focus is more on what they can do for others versus being self-centered.
These leaders have an abundance mentality, meaning operating from the belief that there’s enough (rewards) for everyone. They empower their direct reports to deliver both business and personal goals.
Gold medal leaders are internally driven and intrinsically motivated. Success to them is in the difference they make, the lives they impact, and the greatness they raise in others.
Do you know a leader who demonstrates gold medal qualities? Encourage them. Celebrate them.
The Broad Impact of Gold Medal Leaders
Olympic gold medal winners know it’s not just about them. That’s why they proudly drape themselves and parade around with their country’s flag. It’s about others – their community.
When Julien Alfred and Thea LaFond won their gold medals, their islands celebrated. In fact, weeks later, those islands are still celebrating. The wider impact of a gold medal leader is their broad influence and generational impact. Many see them as role models. Others are deeply inspired and motivated by them. Many who follow gold medal leaders will themselves grow to become gold medal leaders and inspire another generation of future leaders.
Business leadership is aligned with the qualities of Olympians. When business leaders move beyond the basics such as commitment, dedication, and delivering results, and place a premium on the culture and their people, they step into the arena of gold medal leadership. Leaders who embody these characteristics will foster a healthy work environment, deliver competitive results, and enjoy better generational influence.
Empowered Leader Reflection
How are you doing against getting your leadership gold medal?
What do you think? We’d love to get your thoughts.
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