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I've watched the fires of Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin for nearly a decade. It was always quite inspiring to observe two individuals who managed to be the best among a planet of 7.2 billion people. The final chapter on Bolt's performance has been written; while his legacy will motivate us for many decades. It was from him rather than Gatlin that I've seen so many behaviors that can remind leaders of their own championship accountabilities.
Here are some brief leadership lessons that Bolt reminded me of:
1. Be comfortable with your role as a leader. He obviously was comfortable in his skin. This comfort is important for leaders to feel.
2. Start things moving in the best way possible. When he came off the starting blocks he was in control of getting things started.
3. Put stresses and strains behind you. His relaxed approach before, during and after kept any stress or strain off his radar.
4. Pay attention to the preparation. From getting ready to exiting the tunnel until the finish line he was prepared every step of the way.
5. Bolt kind of made it look easy. Every aspect of the performance appeared easy in delivery. Leaders ought to make things look that way.
6. He was full of happy Being happy certainly makes the work of a leader something that he can enjoy.
7. It was good to see him spread his arms open I think the message of openness is an invaluable one to offer people.
8. Some folks thought that he was a little arrogant. I thought that he was confident. Show me a leader who displays confidence and I'll show you success.
9. Whatever phase of the overall event he was involved in, I thought that he was focused. A leader with focus gets results.
10. Speed, of course, is Bolt's thing. A leader who acts speedily lets her people know that we should avoid making people wait unless an intervening variable slows someone down.
11. Once asked about a relay team problem, Bolt said that he just had to deal with it. Any leader that can just deal with it and not get under-or overwhelmed has enough versatility for everyone.
12. Bolt broke into a short dance any number of times which I think exhibited how relaxed he was. Most leaders would never dance in the halls, but they sure could express high relaxation in other ways. Only a relaxed leader will win the gold.
THANKS USAIN BOLT FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP BURSTS!!!!!
One way of thinking about successful leadership is to consider what perspectives a leader pulls together before she/he acts. This provides a leader with a mind set before taking any action. It gives the leader a kind of launch pad for an interaction(s) with another person(s). The value here is that he/she has set a tone for the interaction at least from her/his way of framing things.
My discussions with and observations of leaders tells me that there are four perspectives;
1. Courage,
2. Creativity,
3. Clear thinking and
4. Collaboration
Let's look at each one of these as a key to individual mastery.
Courage
The leader who sets his mind and heart with courage before the interaction starts is ready for anything. While it's certainly true that the leader is well aware of an agenda before the interaction begins, it could go in almost any direction. Wherever the interaction goes the leader is on board with muscles flexed. She/he is ready to deal with any issue and any level of strength that arises. This allows a level of composure that all who interact with the leader will be in awe of. It sounds like we are dealing with a special brand of assertiveness that is learned early in a career.
Creativity
When a leader adopts a creative approach heading into a normal give and take discussion he/she is ready for anything. A leader with a creative perspective is open to wherever the stream meanders. A particular problem, situation or opportunity is where it always begins. A solution, best possible option or new idea will be the likely result of the interaction. Being open to whatever develops during the interaction certainly strengthens exploration and consideration of alternatives and key considerations. Most importantly, though, the leader is respected because she/he has an open mind. It sounds like leaders must release their free spiritedness.
Clear Thinking
Clear thinking assists the leader with a straightforwardness that makes the leader ready for anything. Clear thinking certainly keeps the leader on his/her tiptoes as the back and forth conversation with and without analytics takes people on a path to a valued outcome. Clear thinking is so rich with objectivity that it ought to leave interacting parties with a sense of pride about doing your best and it being more than enough. The leader will have exposed the followers to feeling a great sense of accomplishment. The leader's commitment to clear thinking grew out of critical thinking skills.
Collaboration
Leaders know a great deal about collaboration. If you doubt that just ask them. They will have an answer because they are ready for anything! This matter of collaboration for leaders may be the toughest of the four perspectives to live each day. This is because everyone in each interaction may not be as interested in collaborating. People may have good reasons for sticking to their point(s) that no leader can shake them from. Leaders who exhibit a constant attitude of caring consistently to everyone are doing the best they can to weave a dominant interaction pattern of collaboration. Leaders who collaborate and care will always be held in high esteem. Leaders who care have learned that smiles should never be rare.
ARE YOU READY FOR ANYTHING?
Robert C. Preziosi, D.P.A., is Professor of Management in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, and can be reached at preziosi@nova.edu