The Art of Self-Reflection: Business Leader Tips Inspired by Elite Sports
Introduction: What Business Leaders and Athletes Have in Common
Whether you’re leading a company or striving for excellence in sports, performance reviews are essential. They’re a chance to evaluate what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change. As an elite diver representing Jamaica, I frequently reviewed my performance—not just to refine my technique, but to make informed decisions about my strategy with my support team.
Interestingly, the process has a lot in common with how business leaders approach performance reviews. It’s about strategy, collaboration, and the humility to adjust course when necessary. Let’s explore three key tips for business leaders to elevate their performance reviews, inspired by lessons I’ve learned in my athletic journey.
1. Regularly Review and Consider Strategy Adjustments
In diving, I constantly reviewed my techniques and tactics. Was my entry into the water sharp enough? Should I adjust my dive list to increase difficulty? Every tweak was evaluated for its potential consequences.
Similarly, business leaders should frequently assess their business strategies and ask:
Are we still aligned with our goals?
Do our current tactics deliver the desired outcomes?
Should we pivot or double down on what’s working?
Performance reviews aren’t just a box to check; they’re an opportunity to refine your approach and consider strategic shifts before problems escalate.
Insight: In my early years, not thinking my competition strategy often backfired. But over time, I learned the value of deliberate, data-driven decisions—a mindset that serves business leaders well when evaluating their company’s direction.
2. Empower the Experts, Stay Informed
As an athlete, my diving coach was like my CEO. She oversaw my training, set long-term goals, and made the final decisions. But when it came to reviews with my strength and conditioning coach or physiotherapist, she stepped back.
She understood that while she needed to stay informed, the experts in their fields were better equipped to address specific areas. This approach allowed her to make well-rounded decisions without micromanaging.
For business leaders, the lesson is clear:
Trust your team of experts. Let your marketing lead, operations manager, or finance director handle their domains while keeping you in the loop.
Avoid overstepping—it can stifle innovation and productivity.
Create a collaborative culture where team members feel valued for their expertise.
Perspective Shift: By staying informed but not interfering, my coach fostered a high-performance environment. Business leaders can replicate this by balancing oversight with trust.
3. Embrace Humility: Change When It’s Not Working
Here’s the hard truth: sometimes, no matter how much effort you put in, a strategy just isn’t working. It takes humility to recognise this and pivot before it’s too late.
In diving, I’ve faced situations where I had to abandon a technique I’d spent months working on because it wasn’t delivering the results I needed. Accepting this wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for growth.
For business leaders, this might mean:
Accepting when a product line isn’t resonating with customers.
Recognising when a team structure is hindering performance.
Letting go of a personal idea that’s no longer viable for the company.
Reflection: Humility isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. Admitting when something isn’t working and having the courage to change course is the hallmark of great leadership.
Final Thoughts: Refining the Art of Performance Reviews
Performance reviews are as much about reflection as they are about action. By regularly evaluating strategies, trusting your experts, and embracing the need for change, business leaders can lead with purpose and agility.
Remember, success is a journey of constant refinement, whether you’re leading a company or perfecting a dive.
Join the Conversation
What’s your go-to strategy for effective performance reviews? Share your thoughts in the comments below, pass this post along to someone who needs it, and let me know what topic you’d like me to tackle next!