Stephen H Baum Leadership

Olympic Coach for CEOs and Entrepreneurs?

I view Olympic competition with an additional lens from others: that of coach.

The variation in real-time team coaching during the games seems very wide: from those who encourage their athletes when they are struggling (e.g.,  Liang Chow and Mihai Brestyan with Aly Raisman, U.S. gymnast) to those who scream at them (e.g., Bernardo Rezende of the Brazilian volley ball team).  Most offer encouragement or say little (as when the U.S. coaches gave room to Jordyn Wieber when she failed).

That said, the role of the coaches of individuals appears to be pivotal. Take Bob Bowman, coach of Michael Phelps. Anticipating the chaos that is competition, he says he has often put obstacles in Phelps’ way (e.g., made a cut in his goggles so thay would  fill with water). He is clearly a believer in experiential learning.

And Gaby Douglas’ coach, Liang Chow, who took a mid-level gymnast to best in the world.

Yes, raw talent, drive and some emotional intelligence are prerequisites. But many who have these do not make it. There is no one for them in whom to confide their most intimate worries, to know them as no one else does and be able to suggest things to try to improve or deal with crises. That is why almost all top athletes have a coach. As should every CEO and entrepreneur.  There are many coaches — including several in my network — who have helped clients take themselves up a few notches.

That’s just my view. What’s yours?

If you like this post, send it to your friends. If not, or if you disagree, please comment.