In every meaningful endeavor, challenges are inevitable. But how you perceive and respond to these challenges makes all the difference.
I've learned this competing both in my chosen sport of triathlon and in business, and the parallels are worth noting.
A problem that affects all is an opportunity to shine.
Picture this: you're at the starting line of a triathlon. The water's choppy, the heat's brutal, and the course is a beast. These conditions hit everyone equally. My initial response might be to internally whinge, but the smart athlete sees the opportunity: a problem that affects all is an opportunity to shine.
A problem for one, though, requires a different approach. Maybe your goggles are leaking, you botched your race nutrition, or you get a dreaded flat tire - these are problems unique to you. These setbacks demand preparation, problem-solving, and resolution.
Applying the Athlete's Mindset to Business
In the business world, the same principles apply:
1: Universal Challenges = Opportunity
When market conditions, regulatory changes, or global events impact your industry, these are opportunities for the savvy competitor, e.g.:
Economic Downturn: Is this your chance to invest while others retreat? Can you streamline operations, innovate, and capture market share from less adaptable competitors?
Technological Disruption: Are you resisting change or embracing it? Lead the charge in innovation, adopt new technologies that give you a unique edge, and boost customer loyalty with superior experiences.
Fix it, and fix it fast, and do what needs to be done to not repeat it.
2: Individual Problems = Issues to Resolve
When challenges are specific to your business, they need focused problem-solving. Whether it be operational delays, talent issues, product quality concerns - whatever your issue - tackle it head-on with the same determination you'd use to power through a grueling race. Certainly, there’s the opportunity for improvement, but your challenges here will keep you from competing to the best of your ability.
Your competition has the edge. What to do? Fix it, and fix it fast, and do what needs to be done to not repeat it.
High-performance leaders train their teams in adaptability, they reward resilience, and they always – always – celebrate the wins.
The Opportunity Mindset in Action
Adopting an athlete’s mindset can transform how you approach business challenges - namely with resilience, adaptability, agility, and a focus on continuous improvement - coupled with a constant desire to sharpen your competitive edge.
The bottom line:
Universal challenges are a launchpad to exceptionality.
Individual problems? Solve them fast, capture the lesson, and move on.
Winning in business is a team sport. High-performance leaders train their teams in adaptability, they reward resilience, and they always – always – celebrate the wins.
Elizabeth (Ella) Lucas-Averett
Ella is Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Trivista Group, a strategy and communications consultancy; she is Founder, Live Better Media; a high-impact public speaker and a competitive age-group triathlete who will be competing in the USAT Nationals in September 2024. You can reach her at www.trivistagroup.com.
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