Published by:
Ryan Westwood, FORBES
March 19, 2018
As we reflect on the recent 2018 Olympic Winter Games, it hard not to recognize the inspiring achievements of the world’s elite athletes. The courage, focus, personal drive, and a razor-sharp vision of victory is the foundation of any success story. As a guy who likes to stay fit, I appreciate the example of these athletes. But as an entrepreneur, it’s worth noting that the character traits an Olympic athlete develops through years of training are also the desired skills of today’s leading companies.
When your company’s vision comprises a positive, productive, self-motivated, supportive work culture, focusing your attention on the recruits who based their experience largely on taking laps around a track rather than merely spending time around the proverbial block may be the winning combination your company needs.
Here are five reasons why hiring people with an athletic background is a winning move for your company.
- Athletes are self-disciplined.
An athlete’s decision to roll out of bed for a 5 am training or stay under the covers is a personal choice. But athletes also see the direct connection between getting up and coming in first. And that is what keeps them motivated.”Athletes are already attuned to maintaining balance,” said Cody Ferraro, a former collegiate Lacrosse player and cofounder of InXAthlete, a job search site for athletes. “Employed athletes who pursue passions outside of the workplace bring that self-discipline to their job. What an employer gets is a productive, self-motivated employee who has a strong concept of time-management.”
- The concept of teamwork means something.
Simone Biles, 2016 Olympic individual all-around, vault, and floor gold medalist once said, “As athletes, we’re always going to have aches and pains, but when your teammates cheer you on, you don’t think about it.” That commitment to perform your best for the benefit of the team despite the personal sacrifice can have a huge impact on the workplace. “Athletes have a greater understanding of the teamwork design,” said Max Wessell, a heavyweight All-American wrestler, and cofounder of InXAthlete. “They recognize that everyone has a job to do to accomplish a common purpose.” It’s true that athletes are natural leaders, but they also carry a sense of humility and respect the impact a combined effort makes when working toward a goal.
Read the full article FORBES.