Something I learned in corporate world is how easy it is to put words in people’s mouths. Surprisingly easy. Just come up with a slightly clever way of wording something and people will repeat it. Then other people repeat it. Before you know it, it’s a new catch phrase and maybe even shortened to an acronym. OK, I exaggerate with the acronym comment, but it could happen. If you work in corporate world, you’d agree. The approximate half life of a new multi-word job title or department before devolving into an acronym is about 10 minutes. If that.
So where am I going with this? I started this post thinking I was going to talk about leadership. I had read a Human Resources blog post that I can’t seem to find now, but it had to do with a key part of effective leadership being the capability to communicate in a way that motivates. Or is at least understood. Probably some variant of situational leadership theory.
What does this sort of influence, this sort of leadership, have to do with multisport? Well, as they say on wiki, the model doesn’t apply only to people in leadership or management positions; all people lead others at work, at play, and at home. You don’t have to lead the race to have influence, either, although some might think there’s some extra credibility in doing so.
Speaking of leading races, I’d have to disagree with Charles Barkley’s rejection of prominent athletes needing to be a role models. Win a race or two and people expect a little more from you and, lo and behold, there you are in a forum where you can maybe put a few positive words into people’s mouths.
So in between your swim-bike-run training sessions, don’t forget to polish up on your leadership skills. Follow me?
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