The Olympics are Over—Now What?
The Olympics are over and I for one am very sad. I know I’m not alone. There is something so inspiring for the two weeks of non-stop viewing the world’s best athletes on TV all day and night.
This year’s summer Olympics was visually stunning. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the Games were played against the background of my favorite city in the world. Paris looked so beautiful and the Eiffel Tower lent an elegance and beauty wherever the camera focused.
I will never forget the opening ceremony. Starting with the teams from each country floating down the Seine—a graceful lesson in diversity—and ending with Celine Dion standing at the Eiffel Tower in a gorgeous Dior gown singing with the rain falling—a statement of persistence. What a wonderful way to open two weeks of competition and teamwork.
I watched with awe at what people accomplished and have the same reaction each time—what have I done with my life? Hearing teens talking about starting to train for the Olympics when they were six is inspiring. Not only have they given up so much to compete, they seem to do it with such joy and excitement.
One of the most impressive things I observed was a spirit of “we’re all in this together.” Did you notice how the Track and Field team members always hugged each other after a competition? Not just the winner got a congratulatory hug; anyone who participated was acknowledged. The same was true with the Gymnastics teams. They support each other on a level I find incredibly inspiring. And what about the Beach Volleyball team? They hugged after every point. Now, that is how you build a team!
I loved seeing athletes attending each other’s competitions. Watching the US Men’s Basketball Team supporting volleyball or swimming was encouraging.
Teams are the norm in many businesses today. After the Olympics, ask yourself:
How do we take what we just saw and experienced and make working together like the athletes do part of our culture?
How do we encourage our staff members to work together and celebrate each other’s successes?
How do we recognize and celebrate each individual’s uniqueness—their individual diversity?
How do we encourage our staff members to support each other in ways that only make the organization, and the individual members, stronger and healthier.
We do it by incorporating rewards and recognition into our organizations so that we can celebrate each success that comes along. We do it by building fun into the workday. We do it by acknowledging we are part of something bigger than ourselves and for that we are grateful. See you in Los Angeles in 2028. They have a hard act to follow.