EY Lane4’s Post

It’s been amazing watching all the individual and team performances over the last couple of weeks, and also interesting to hear the athletes talk about their journeys, the goals they set, and the actions they took to give them the best chance for success. Analogies are often made between business and sport be that in leadership, team dynamics, and/or strategies for operational or performance gains to achieve success. The parallels we see when working with our clients include ... ➡ Make sure you’re clear on your goals, that they’re specific to you (your business) and ideally timebound ➡ Identify and focus on the things that will get you there and achieve that target performance improvement, eg specific actions, building new routines, changing how things work or your equipment. Look not just at the big silver bullets but also the multiple ‘1% shifts’ that taken together will achieve the step change ➡ Stop or change what’s not serving you in achieving your goals, eg behaviours, projects or elements of the business that aren’t aligned ➡ Recognise the importance and role of the whole team across the business (beyond the athletes!) – everyone clear on the goal, their role in making it happen, and engaged and motivated to achieve it ➡ Put a plan in place with clear timelines and interim targets to achieve the ultimate step change in performance you’re looking for, so you can see and review measurable progress and adjust as appropriate Following Team GB’s rowers success in 2024 and their best ever overseas Olympics, Louise Kingsley, GB Rowing Team Director of Performance, said … “We’re greater than the sum of the parts. There was a lot of change. Change the staff, change the morale, change the budget, change the structure and reshape the whole thing.” ❓ Are your Goals, Activities and Plans all clear, focused and aligned to achieve your Ambition? go faster?” ❓ Is everyone clear, aligned and motivated to making it happen? ... Is everyone rowing in the same direction and in sync with each other? ❓ For everything you’re doing …. “Will it make the boat go faster?" Looking for an external perspective and expertise to help you in your organisation? Get in touch with Alyson Chadwick to discuss how we could help #businessstrategy #businessplanning #planningforsuccess #olympics2024

What lies behind Olympic Medal success? It is inspiring to watch the amazing athletes competing in the Olympics. And behind every one of them is an team working together to help them achieve their goal. And you may be thinking, where would you even start? There are so many variables to medal success, especially with teams, so as a psychologist supporting a national team, I go to evidence-based research that shows what successful teams have and do to be successful. #1 Last year, we began that foundational work with setting out our Purpose and Values. This is the bedrock of everthing we do. It sets that standards and the boundaries of our team culture. And living and acting within these Values keeps us anchored to having a 'culture of excellence.' #2 Following on from this, we are now embedding an autonomy-supported environment. This means helping the organisation, coaches, support staff and athletes form a working culture of collaboration. Making people feel that they have agency - control and choice in what they are doing. We clarify roles and responsibilities, so that there is rationale and clarity with decision-making and implementation. We create effective processes for feedback with cooperation and collaboration at its core so that it is not dominated or controlled by one party. We provide initiatives for athletes to act independently, knowing that there is support available when needed. And behind this is a healthy relationship where feelings and perspectives are respected - even if there is disagreement. #3 Expert skill development has a focus to helping athletes (and staff) build their belief that they have the capacities to perform at their best at the Paralympics. This includes individual work with the athletes, and also helping the coaches and support staff to draw out and identify these personal capcities in their feedback, which enables beliefs to grow. Creating psychologically informed environments like this means everyone can understand how their feedback matters and how to do this most effectively. With a stronger belief in their abilities it sets the team up to work on the next phase of our team development. #4 Deliberately setting training environments with demand and challenge. After all, the Paralympics is going to have demands and challenges, so we want to train and practice being able to be in these environments. Success can be more effectively attained because the athletes have a sense of control, they trust their coaches and know support is there, and also they will have a stronger belief in their abilities which means that they can thrive in their competition environment. We believe that working on these key components, we will achieve high performance standards, enabling medal success. And rather than surviving in the pressurised environments of Paralympic competition, our team will be thriving. Direct message Stuart for more information.

Our human performance experts discuss using goals like the Pros. We’ve been privileged to work with some really successful athletes and teams in elite sport. We’ve seen how they operate day-to-day and we’ve worked with them in the most pressurised sporting environments like World Championships and Olympic Games. One of the things we’ve noticed that’s pretty different and unique is how they constantly use goals in delivering great performance and getting great results. Here are the nuts and bolts of what they do. https://lnkd.in/d87Bj_N #fuel #goals #highperformance #coaching

The Olympics are a masterclass in human potential. Watch closely, and you'll see a blueprint for workplace excellence: 🤸🏻 Resilience of a gymnast bouncing back after a fall 🏹 Focus of an archer hitting the bullseye under pressure ⚽️ Agility of a soccer team adapting to opponent's strategies 🏃🏽♀️➡️ Perseverance of a marathon runner pushing through the wall How can we bring this Olympic-level performance to our teams? It starts with creating an environment where... - Every "training session" (meeting, project, task) has a clear purpose and goals - Failures are analyzed, learned from, and used as fuel for future success - Personal bests are celebrated as much as team wins, fostering both individual growth and collective achievement - Diverse strengths are recognized and leveraged, just like in a decathlon The real gold medal? A workplace where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential, driving innovation and excellence across the board. What Olympic quality do you most want to cultivate in your team? #Paris2024 #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipInsights #TeamExcellence

As the world turns its attention to the Olympics Opening Ceremony, the pursuit of high performance takes center stage. 🥇 The same principles that drive athletes to excel at the highest level also apply to high performance in the workplace, as discovered by our founder Mark Cunningham. Mark spent years training as an elite decathlete with aspirations of participating in the Olympics until an injury ended that dream. However, Mark’s commitment to excellence drove him to undertake a comprehensive investigation into a single question: What are the factors that create optimal performance under optimal pressure? This inquiry led him to spend eight years meticulously developing the Achieve System™, combining cutting-edge neuroscience, best practices from performance systems, and insights from elite coaching. Today, this groundbreaking framework is used by top corporations to drive productivity and success. Ready to bring Olympic-level performance to your organization? Discover the system that turns potential into podium finishes: 🏆 https://lnkd.in/eM-Ut76d #Olympics2024 #Paris2024 #SummerOlympics2024 #highperformance #highperformingteams #peakperformance #OlympicsOpeningCeremony #Olympics #SummerOlympics

Reflecting on a recent fireside chat at the Unleashing Disruptive Growth event, two-time Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee shared invaluable lessons business leaders and entrepreneurs can learn from elite athletes. As the Olympics draw near, Brownlee’s mantra, “If you want to achieve something no one has achieved before, you have to approach the challenge in a way no one has before,” underscores his journey from a medical student to a world champion triathlete. Brownlee discussed the importance of building mental resilience, emphasising the need to create productive habits by removing barriers to training. He highlighted that success in endurance sports, much like in business, is about consistent effort over time, finding motivation in the process, and celebrating small achievements along the way. Innovation was another key theme. Brownlee iterated that constant, simple innovation in training routines can lead to significant improvements, cautioning against the “go fast and break things” approach common in start-ups, as it can lead to burnout or injury. Leadership, he noted, is about conviction and assembling a supportive team. Despite the individual nature of the triathlon, Brownlee emphasised the importance of having a dedicated team and making decisive choices based on expert feedback. As we approach the Olympic season, how can you apply the principles of resilience, innovation, and effective leadership from elite sports to your business challenges? #leadership #Olympics #resilience

As a passionate follower of the Olympics, I’m continually awed by the sheer determination and drive of athletes who push beyond their limits. But the Olympics offer more than just the excitement of competition—they deliver powerful lessons that we can all apply to elevate our professional and personal lives. 1. It all starts with a dream and preparation: Behind every Olympic performance are countless hours of training, preparation, and sacrifice. Success doesn’t happen overnight, like so many people think, it’s the result of consistent effort and a strong work ethic. 2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Many athletes face setbacks, injuries, or unexpected challenges on their journey. Their ability to bounce back and stay focused on their goals is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles. They don’t allow themselves to become victims. 3. The Importance of Teamwork: Even in individual sports, athletes rely on their coaches, trainers, and support teams. In business and in life, collaboration and the strength of our teams are crucial to achieving success.  4. Maintaining a Winning Mindset: Olympic athletes train their minds as rigorously as their bodies. A positive, focused mindset can make all the difference when striving for excellence in any field. 5. Adaptability is Key: The ability to adapt to changing conditions—whether it’s the weather, a last-minute schedule change, or unexpected competition—is critical. Flexibility and the willingness to adjust our strategies can lead to new opportunities. 6. Celebrate Small Wins: Olympians know that each milestone—whether it’s a personal best, a qualifying round, or simply finishing the race—is worth celebrating. In our careers, acknowledging small victories can build momentum and keep us motivated. 7. Constantly looking for ways to improve: Both the body and mind need to in peak performance. Most athletes will not go home with a medal, however if they performed at the best of their abilities, they will have peace of mind. The Olympics remind us that greatness is not just about winning, but about the journey, the lessons learned, and the relentless pursuit of our dreams. #Leadership #Olympics #Success #Resilience #Teamwork

As we marvel at Team USA's journey to Olympic gold, it's clear that the bonds of friendship and unity have become the foundation of their success. This team's ability to rally in the 4th quarter, in an era where European teams have become stronger and more skilled, showcases the power of coming together for a common goal. Leaders like Kevin Durant, a basketball savant whose talent is undeniable, and Stephen Curry, the best shooter ever who revolutionized the game with his selfless play, have been instrumental. Yet, it's LeBron James who stands out, not just for his enduring excellence at 39 years old, but for the way he embodies the spirit of teamwork. LeBron has often faced criticism for prioritizing togetherness, but his career, defined by his commitment to elevating his teammates, speaks volumes. His journey is a testament to the idea that true leadership isn’t just about being the best—it’s about bringing out the best in those around you. Kevin Durant, with his old-school approach, might be seen as less of a traditional leader compared to Steph and LeBron. Yet, his immense skill and basketball intellect have been crucial to the team’s success. In a way, Durant’s journey highlights the evolution of leadership in the game—while individual brilliance is celebrated, the modern game values those who can uplift their team, a role LeBron and Steph have embraced throughout their careers. This Olympic campaign isn’t merely about adding another gold medal to the collection. It’s about showcasing how a team, led by those who prioritize togetherness and mutual support, can achieve greatness. LeBron's journey, from a player who dishes out assists to becoming the all-time leading scorer, reflects the essence of what makes this team special. They play for each other, understanding that true success is measured by the strength of their unity. In this moment, we see how the evolution of leadership in basketball has brought us to a place where greatness is achieved not just through individual prowess, but through the collective effort of a team that believes in each other. This is the legacy that Team USA will carry with them—a legacy defined by unity, camaraderie, and the understanding that in the modern game, being there for your teammates is as crucial as any stat line. As Team USA brings home the gold, it’s clear that success is a team effort—whether on the court or in customer success. It's all about the right play at the right time and having support behind the scenes when you need it most.

"The biggest obstacle to my success was my own mind" - Jack Green, OLY 👉 0.005 seconds. That's all it took to determine the outcome of last night's Men's Olympic 100m final in Paris — the fastest race of all time* and a reminder that whether in sport or life, the smallest margins can make the biggest difference. 👉 Our newest speaker Jack Green knows this firsthand. "The biggest obstacle to my success was my own mind," he shared. "At London 2012, I was overwhelmed with fear and expectation, hitting a hurdle in my semi-final and falling. Despite beating the eventual gold and silver medalists in the weeks before, I couldn’t perform when it mattered most. And that came down to the smallest of margins" His story proves again that while physical preparation is crucial, mental resilience can make or break a performance. At 360 Speakers, we see this principle reflected in all areas of life. Whether in business, sports, or personal growth, every detail counts. From the heart of the arena, our experts bring valuable hard earned insights: 👉 Sid Sutton talks about the importance of overcoming fear to achieve true success. 👉 Mike Bates encourages us to challenge our limits and think beyond boundaries. 👉 Tom Foley reminds us that striving for excellence is more productive than chasing perfection. In witnessing the incredible performances from every discipline at Paris 2024, we are reminded that success isn't just about physical ability. It's about the mindset, preparation, and tiny adjustments that lead to greatness. This is a universal truth: in any field, it's the mental game that sets the best apart from the rest. Any one of the athletes on the starting line could likely have taken Gold last night. So how do you ensure you're at your best when it matters most? We'd love to hear from you. *BBC Sport #360speakers #performance

If leadership were an Olympic sport….   …Would you secure a podium finish?  Most of us can only sit in our armchairs and wonder at the sheer athletic perfection on display as the world’s best sportsmen and women come together at the very pinnacle of their fitness to compete for the highest honours. The Games, and especially the Paralympics, never fail to move and inspire me with their stories of triumph over adversity, human endurance and lifelong dedication, sometimes leading to just 10 seconds to get it right on this greatest of stages. The tears of joy when it all comes together, or frustration when it goes wrong, meaning competitors face another four-year wait to try again - or must even face up to the reality that this was their last ever chance. We can all identify with that crushing disappointment, having to pick yourself up and move on. And what about the heroic underdogs - the Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards and Jamaican bobsleigh teams of this world? What can we learn from them? Olympians are no longer Gods. They are mere mortals whose determination, discipline, self-belief and resilience enable them to rise to the very top of their game - with a first class team and a whole lot of organised preparation behind them, of course. The same qualities distinguish the stand-out leaders of the business world.  Executives and senior leaders also bear the weight of expectation and responsibility of carrying teams and organisations the way Olympic athletes carry the dreams of their nations. Failure is public - how you deal with it can define you. This week, our online insight celebrates some of the most inspiring legends of the modern games, including 2024 icons Adam Peaty and Simone Biles, and explores how executives and senior leadership can emulate the qualities and temperament that inspired them to greatness. I hope it will leave you inspired. If you want to explore a personalised professional coaching experience to push your own professional or organisational performance to the next level , do contact me here on LinkedIn or email me at RChiumento@rialtoconsultancy.com https://lnkd.in/eyU3fjAP