To an outsider, it may have been hard to predict that Roger Bannister (who died on Saturday) would become the world record holder for breaking the 4-minute mile back in 1954.
- He failed to even get into the Olympics just 2 years earlier
- He had limited training and scientific knowledge, by today’s standard
- He was multi tasking with a part-time job while he also studying medicine.
But those that knew him and the sport well, gave him a good shot at breaking the record.
He succeeded because of his strategy and spirit. He was not even sure he would make an attempt at breaking the 4 minute mile that day, right up until the time to run. “The winds had quieted down, and the time was right.”
As he said in his memoir, you must seize the right moment or risk its passing forever. He had a strategy for “breaking away from the pack” at the right moment — it was critical in his record-setting run. He came from behind and won the race and set the record.
We celebrate a true inspiration, Sir Roger Bannister, (March 23, 1929 – March 3, 2018).
What is true for Roger, is also true for you personally and your organization. To set and reach your loftiest goals, consider how Roger excelled:
- Be self aware of your own strengths and weaknesses.
- Have a strategy to leverage your strengths, while minimizing your weaknesses,
- Don’t be depressed by past failings, use them to spur you on
- Be tactical and look for the right opportunities to strike
- Surround yourself with other top performers to set the pace!
To learn how to Become a Destination Company®, and win the race for better talent, better culture and a world-class company, see my two upcoming workshops below. Join me and lets get to know each other better.
