While watching the Winter Olympics at Cortina, Milan (Italy), it’s easy to become awestruck by the physical prowess, stamina, power, and precision of the athletes in their respective events and ‘arenas’.
In viewing the mogul events, there’s a part of me that is dumbstruck by their ‘guts-for-glory’, while another part of me is greatly concerned how their knees can withstand the constant compression and extension down a steep slope with moguls the size of Mini Cooper’s – all at a stupidly-fast speed.
What we see is a spectacle. What we don’t get to see is the support.
On the sidelines, or back home in their country of residence, are the coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and technical advisors who’ve had a direct input and influence on each of the athletes competing at this, the XXV Olympic Winter Games.
While these supporters aren’t always visible, their impact is undeniable.
The Olympics are more than just individual medals. They are about teams working together to achieve the best possible outcome, pushing each other forward, celebrating wins together, and feeling part of something bigger than themselves.
Wouldn’t it be great if your work felt the same way.
These Winter Olympics – and most high-level sporting events - show us what is possible when talent meets structure, belief, and support.
Whether you are an individual contributor, or leading a team, look for an opportunity to support another team member in the pursuit of their goals and providing them the chance to reach their respective podium.
Regardless of the eventual outcome, the opportunity to work toward a collective goal and to embrace that sense of collegiality may be as close as we get to competing at an Olympic Games, but with a similar sense of teamwork and connection.
‘Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter’
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
(Phil Jackson)