United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Post

I loved my friend and colleague, Jill Perrin’s perspective! Sharing 3 moments in three aspects of leadership, she observed while attending the Olympics in Paris. Each one brings value both to the receiver and to the giver of encouragement. Positivity in leadership be it for ourselves or for those we walk beside, either as leader or peer, is a critical component of successful leadership. Personal mindset and the power of positive self-talk make a huge difference in our outcomes. The journey alongside a team is richer when we support each other’s efforts while maintaining a grounding in our shared humanity, understanding perfection is our aspiration but our resilience and respect for each other is not based in the outcome it is based in the effort, dedication and intention. Great picture and a wonderful highlight of true excellence in leadership! #leadership #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #strategy

World records! Gold medals! Top performances and sheer dedication and determination. This Paralympics has proven to be quite something. Each year it just gets better and better. But why is this? Listening to Stefanie Reid being interviewed on CBC News the other day, she spoke about the Paralympic Games, which she noted do indeed keep on evolving and getting better. This is, she claims, because finally paralympians are being given the opportunity to train full-time and have access to facilities and coaches, that for years weren’t available. We still have a long way to go with regard equality in the sporting world, but it just shows what can happen when people are given the same opportunities and treated equitably. This is a good reminder for us within all the spheres of life we find ourselves in - when barriers and blockers are removed, value and opportunities given, people thrive, flourish and succeed. We as leaders of all organisations have the power to make a difference to our people in this way. As leaders are we removing barriers and obstacles?  Are we providing new opportunities for all our people? Do we offer the support and resources that are needed for success? Let’s ask ourselves today - What can we do or stop doing, that will make a significant difference to our people? #leadership #leadersforward image source: gettyimages - BBC

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT LEADERSHIP, SEEN LIVE AT THE OLYMPICS. I've had the honor and thrill of seeing sports champions of the world compete in Paris. 3 moments stand out: Simone Bile's self talk before starting a routine: She took a deep breath, then said 'you've got this!' and went on to earn a medal. While external crowds, coaches and family were undoubtedly encouraging her, her internal self-encouragement was core to how she showed up. As leaders, may we always be aware of the 'inner game' of encouragement. Two Ukrainian gymnasts at the Men's all around final: The crowd let out roars of support each time one of them was on the mat BEFORE they had started their event. The world came together organically sending them strength, courage and respect for what we can only imagine to be the hurdles they overcame to be present. As leaders, may we always bestow honor and respect vociferously and publicly. And recognize that success is more than simply winning. Beach volleyball team-mate encouragement: After every play team-mates would physically high-five one another. It looked different for each outcome. If they won a point, there were hugs and chest bumps. If they lost, there were fist bumps signaling 'that's ok, keep on going.' As leaders, may we always support people to try again / expect them to do better in a way that is forward-facing and encouraging. Please enjoy this video of the sparkling lights on the Eiffel Tower lighting up over Beach Volleyball.

Have you been watching the Olympics? What fascinates me about the event is the back stories of the athletes in the more obscure sports you only see at the Olympics, such as hammer throw, table tennis, equestrian, and my favorite, sailing. Those athletes struggle and train for years at great personal expense to get to that elite level, only to drop back into obscurity after the event. Their inspiring experiences can teach us tremendous lessons about sports, life, and leadership. #olympics #leadership #inspiration https://lnkd.in/gkeS7NzR

You can see by zooming the picture that the player, He Bing Jiao, is holding tiny pin flag of Spain as she won the semifinals after Carolina marin of Spain forfeited the game due to injury. He Bingjiao's recent act of holding a Spanish pin on the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a powerful reminder of the leadership qualities inherent in sports. Here are some key takeaways: - Empathy Matters: By honoring injured rival Carolina Marin, He Bingjiao demonstrated that empathy is a vital trait for leaders. Understanding and acknowledging the challenges others face fosters a supportive environment. - Respect for Rivals: True sportsmanship goes beyond winning. He Bingjiao's gesture reflects respect for her competitors, reminding us that mutual respect can elevate the spirit of competition. - Camaraderie Over Competition: This moment illustrates that sports can unite individuals from different backgrounds. Leaders can learn to build connections and foster teamwork, even in competitive settings. - Inspiration Through Action: He Bingjiao's actions inspire others to lead with integrity and compassion. Leaders who embody these values can motivate their teams to strive for excellence while supporting one another. Let’s celebrate moments like these that teach us valuable lessons about leadership, respect, and the true spirit of sports! #Leadership #Sportsmanship #Empathy #Olympics #Badminton #HeBingjiao #CarolinaMarin #Teamwork #Inspiration

August 1999. Pan Am Games Finals. Canada vs Brazil. Olympics on the line. We were a team, battered but not broken. Injuries plagued us, and a last-minute coaching change threw our playbook into chaos.  But one thing burned bright:  the hunger for that Olympic berth.  A win meant more funding from Sports Canada, respect from the handball world, and the ultimate reward for our sweat and sacrifice. The final buzzer.  Silence.  31-27.  Defeat.  A gut punch that left us all reeling. Yet, amidst the sting of loss, a powerful truth remained:  we left it all on the court.   Every teammate poured their heart and soul into that game.   Trust was our foundation.   We believed in each other, in our abilities, in our shot at victory. Respect. That's what I have for every woman who shared that experience.  A bittersweet souvenir, a loss that taught us so much.   It took me time to accept that silver medal.   The initial urge was to reject it, the symbol of falling short.  Little did I know, it held the seeds of growth, resilience, opportunity.  The chance to mentor future athletes facing their own Olympic heartbreak. Building trust within a team takes time and commitment.  But when you nail it, the respect you forge becomes an unshakeable bond.  That's the core of my "Gold Medal Management" talk for corporations. Ready to maximize the winning potential within your team?  I share key strategies to build trust and elevate performance. Tell me your story!  Have you experienced the power of trust in a team setting?   Workplace? Sports arena?   Share your thoughts in the comments below. Feeling the need for a trust-building boost in your company?  Message me, let's chat and see how I can help! #corporatetrainer #publicspeaking #publicspeakingcoach #communicationskills #executivepresence #executive #athletes #managers #leaders #highachievers

Paralympics Australia names directors for Paris to Brisbane trip LINK: https://lnkd.in/epVFaayP #ConsultingIssues #TheDailyConsultant #Strategy #Innovation #Leadership #Management #Business #Operations #Advisory #Finance #Project #Policy #Process #Technology

🏅 Counting Down to Paris Olympics: Celebrating the Spirit of Resilience and Leadership 🌟 With just a month until the Paris Olympics, the trials are showcasing incredible displays of grit and determination. Witnessing athletes give their all to earn their spot and represent their country is nothing short of inspiring. The journey to the Olympics epitomizes resilience, preparation, and unwavering commitment. Athletes train relentlessly, overcome setbacks, and push boundaries to achieve their dreams of sporting excellence on the world stage. The parallels between athletic pursuit and leadership are profound. Both require resilience in the face of challenges, meticulous preparation, and a deep commitment to excellence. The dedication shown by Olympians mirrors the qualities needed in effective leadership—inspiring teams, navigating adversity, and achieving collective goals. As we cheer for our athletes on their journey to Paris, let's reflect on the leadership lessons embedded in their pursuit. How can we apply their resilience, preparation, and commitment to elevate our own leadership? Share your insights and let's champion a culture of excellence together! Together, let's celebrate the spirit of resilience and leadership both on and off the field! 🚀🌍 #Paris2024 #Olympics #Resilience #Leadership #Teamwork #Excellence https://lnkd.in/eDN8AXS2

Looking for the best leadership programme on the market? This past week I had the incredible privilege to spend a full week with 20 young girls (age 11-12) at this year’s Partielle Handball Cup in Gothenburg. So why spend a week of vacation on something that might sound like the opposite of vacation? When I am asked what motivates me in my daily job, I always answer to learn, make a difference and work with brilliant people. That is exactly what I have been doing this week - although it has been outside VELUX To experience these kids’ enthusiasm, to help them grow their skills on the field as well as off the field, and most importantly, to see them have fun with old friends and new friends is simply so rewarding and a true reminder of the pure joy and passion that sports can bring. On our team’s we have three objectives 1) to have fun 2) to play like a team (and not as individuals) 3) to fight for the win although it might be hard. In many ways, being a voluntary handball coach is not too far from being a leader in a company. So here is a shout out to all of you aspiring leaders or leaders looking for new challenges. There are many clubs out there that are looking for coaches. Consider signing up, it is the best on the job leadership training in the market allowing you to grow your leadership skills and give back to people who explicitly show their appreciation. (if any one wants to give back but doesn’t have the time, we are looking for sponsors to help get the girls new sports clothing for next year’s tournament. Please give send a PM). Thanks to Stine Adrian Møller. Here is to many more moments of fun, growth and team work. #GivingBack #Volunteering #YouthSports #Handball #CommunityEngagement #Leadership #Teamwork #HIK

Anyone who knows me knows I love sports (especially hockey). Personally, I prefer the Winter Olympics to the Summer, probably because of my passion for hockey, skiing, etc. But the Olympics as a whole are a great lesson in achieving greatness with humility. This fantastic article from the New York Times about the Paris Olympics highlights how real greatness isn't just about winning—it’s about bettering yourself, competing fiercely, and respecting your competition. You can be relentless and kind, disciplined and compassionate. Real winning is about the person you become and the relationships you build along the way. Real leaders should aspire not just to be ethical but to tap into all these traits that make us genuinely good human beings. That’s real leadership. Check out the article here: [NY Times Article on Paris Olympics](https://lnkd.in/ey4i9Fc4) #leadership #humility #winning