A gold medal with the olympic rings inside (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Olympics and Paralympics gave given us a well-earned break from the negative impression of business and finance in the media. In fact it has been a summer of Olympic Love which was desperately needed.
To see good news reported on television for a change has been so motivating. Before the games started it had all been doom and gloom about the traffic and the games lanes, and in the first few days there was plenty of opportunity for complaints about empty seats. But as more and more medals were won the news became more and more upbeat. The absence of bad news has increased confidence. One architect in London has told me that they had many projects on hold which have now been given the go-ahead in the last two weeks. The money has apparently been there all the time, but the confidence to go ahead was lacking. Seeing athletes achieve their goals is far more motivational than a constant diet of financial misery.
Some businesses had direct benefits. The coffee shop at my railway station, for example, said that usually August is a quiet month, but sales were definitely improved. But they also really liked the fact that people were in a good mood for a change. As naturally cheerful people themselves, they had better conversations with train travellers which helped them feel good. Feeling good is often the best way to achieve the success you are looking for.
The Olympics demonstrated clearly that a lot of dedication is needed to win. Observations by the athletes gave you an insight into their world. Chris Hoy describing cycling through the build up of lactic acid, Victoria Pendleton gracious in defeat saying that she was glad it was all over, Tom Daley looking forward to eating forbidden food like hamburgers. So many athletes commented that it had been at least a four year preparation. The Paralympics was particularly an opportunity for the crowd to understand the hard work that must have gone in to becoming a one legged high jumper, a runner who cannot see, a swimmer who has to touch the end of the pool with a working arm.
Such a refreshing change from success presented as restricted to pop, modelling or acting, and based on being discovered on a reality TV show. The Olympians and paralympians are excellent role models for all of us in every walk of life.
Winning has been shown as 100% team event. All the champions whether from the Olympics or Paralympics made it clear that winning is not a one-person event. Whether the coach is a parent or a professional, they all made it clear that they could not have done it without the help and support of those around them. From physios to psychologoists, universities or makers of prosthetic limbs the role of others in the sport was essential. You can’t run your business alone – you need people who know more or can do things better than you – so you can focus on the big race.
The importance of inspiration and encouragement in overcoming a challenge has become really clear during the Olympics, and specially during the Paralympics. Encouragement is part of facing a challenge. Obviously the athletes have their own determination, but time and again it became clear that someone else had provided encouragement. David Weir – thought to be the greatest wheelchair athlete- acknowledged his girlfriend at home for keeping him calm before his third medal winning race. Paralympians especially face huge challenges and were visibly supportive of each other. Oscar Pistorius was warm in his praise of Jonnie Peacock in the 100 metres, and completely delighted by the roars of the crowd shouting “Peacock”. And when Jonnie Peacock was asked in the post=race interview “Did you have any doubt?” He answered .. “Of course you do.”
Aiming to do something new in the Olympics or in business is uncharted territory and of course there will be doubts. We all need encouragement and people to believe in us. Who is on your list?
Get the crowd to work! The impact of the home crowd’s support has been incalculable. The crowds that roared Jessica Ennis, Mo Farrah, Usain Bolt and Ellie Simmonds, Hannah Cockcroft, Jonnie Peacock and all the wonderful athletes to victory helped them to dig a bit deeper and give more. The crowds lining the streets of London, Eton Dorney or Brands Hatch and elsewhere shouted willingly for Bradley Wiggins, Sarah Storey and all the athletes. As well as helping the athletes it created a fantastic never-to-be-forgotten atmosphere for the crowd.
In your business you can create something great which is a challenge or will make people take notice and the crowd will help to create the buzz. People like to take part and contribute whether virtually or face to face. Use the crowd to create a fantastic atmosphere.
We are inspired by others.
So many of the athletes said they had been inspired by watching others on television. The whole aim of this summer of London 2012 was to inspire a generation, and to leave a legacy. We have seen such a range of self-effacing men and women this summer who will inspire people of all ages into sport, and into seeing beyond the disability orn vulnerability into the fulfilment of dreams.
As you are inspired by others, you will also be inspiring others. Your performance and behaviour is a very precious asset. Use it to make the biggest difference in your world.
You need to set the scene and the tone.
The administration was key. Buildings were finished on time, sign posts were clear and a huge army of cheerful unpaid volunteers (as well as the army) were friendly and efficient. Some of the games-makers sitting on top of their ladders with a microphone in their hands were hilarious, and added enormously to the sense of enjoyment.
Planning for London 2012 had taken at least 7 years and a lot of work. Preparation and processes support the main event.
But the most important message of all is that you have to be you.
Very often as business people we can feel overwhelmed by all there is to do, and think that others are in a better position. But as no athlete has the perfect body, no business is perfect, either. The strengths and weaknesses are there, but so are the opportunities. With ambition, passion, support, mentors and coaches you can win your race.
It has definitely been a summer of Olympic and Paralympic love. As small businesses we can benefit from it all.
