What can managers learn from Olympic values?
As the recent Olympic success in Paris reminded Serbia, the achievements of athletes can inspire an entire nation.
Medal winners were celebrated with euphoric joy across the country, and their dedication became a beacon of motivation not just for sports enthusiasts but for professionals in all fields.
Their triumphs are potent examples of discipline, teamwork, and commitment that business leaders and managers can mirror in their pursuits.
The connection between sports and management becomes clear: success requires more than raw talent
In that sense, the Serbian Association of Managers (SAM), a pivotal member of CEC European Managers, is contributing significantly to the Serbian leadership landscape by fostering management in alignment with the European Union‘s standards and in a recent article published at Biznis, SAM‘s executive director, Jelena Bulatović, reflects on the question, what can managers learn from Olympians?
Just as athletes strategize for competition and victory, business leaders must develop and execute well-thought-out strategies to achieve organizational goals.
The connection between sports and business becomes clear: success requires more than raw talent. It is built on consistent training, preparation, and a willingness to push personal and collective boundaries.
Jelena Bulatovic – Executive Director at Serbian Association of Managers (SAM)
“In both sports and business, strategy is the cornerstone of success,” says Bulatović, and she adds “Without a strong strategic foundation, no organisation can sustain long-term success.”
Just as Olympic coaches craft meticulous game plans, managers guide their teams to success by setting clear objectives, analyzing risks, and continuously adapting to challenges.
Jelena Bulatović
Executive Director
Serbian Association of Managers (SAM)
Continuous Improvement: A Shared Value
Olympic athletes constantly seek ways to improve their performance, whether through physical conditioning, mental resilience, or technical precision.
Similarly, successful leaders never stop learning. In the words of management expert Stephen Covey, “Sharpen the saw”—continuous personal and professional growth—is a critical practice.
Leaders must stay on top of emerging technologies, leadership methods, and market trends to ensure long-term competitiveness.
The value of pushing boundaries applies to leadership just as it does to sports. By taking on new challenges and expanding their capabilities, managers not only fuel personal satisfaction but also drive the collective success of their teams.
Fair Play and Integrity: Lessons for Ethical Leadership
One of the most essential lessons sports teach is the value of fair play. Athletes understand that success without integrity is hollow, and the same holds in the business and leadership world.
“In modern business, we return more and more to ethical codes, questioning whether we are fair to other participants in the market,” Bulatović notes.
Managers, like athletes, must demonstrate integrity, ensuring that their actions set a positive example in compliance with ethical standards.
These principles serve as a reminder that the true measure of success lies not just in achieving goals but in how those goals are attained.
Discipline, Focus, and Resilience
Olympians train for years, focusing intensely on moments that will last only minutes or even seconds. This level of discipline and focus is an important model for leaders and managers navigating their own high-pressure environments.
Leading teams through crises requires unwavering focus and the ability to make quick, effective decisions, similar to the pressure-filled moments that athletes face.
Resilience is another key characteristic shared by athletes and business leaders. Setbacks, whether in the form of injuries or market downturns, are inevitable.
Both athletes and managers must learn how to recover from failures and adapt to changing circumstances swiftly.
Success is not just about personal achievement but about uplifting others
That being said, Jelena Bulatović quotes Serbian hero Novak Djokovic, who once said, “Every champion knows that his true greatness is not only in winning but also in giving.”
Leaders and managers must also understand that success is not just about personal achievement but about uplifting others and contributing to the broader community.
Also, teamwork, collaboration, trust, and shared vision are key to achieving goals. Whether it’s winning medals or conquering leadership challenges, teamwork magnifies individual efforts and leads to lasting success.
“At the Serbian Association of Managers, we place a strong emphasis on team spirit,” says Bulatović. “As members of CEC European Managers, we create a collaborative environment where leaders can thrive and work together for mutual success.”
To sum up, in a fast-paced world where agility, strategy, and ethical leadership are paramount, the values that guide athletes to victory can indeed serve as an influential blueprint for leaders everywhere.
You can read the original article here [+]
