Endurance, leadership, and my weekend fail

I often hear of leaders pushing through relentless schedules without giving enough attention to what truly drives peak performance: recovery, mental resilience, and continuous improvement.

A recent McKinsey article comparing senior leaders to elite athletes got me thinking - how often do we treat leadership like an endurance sport?

Here’s the thing. Top athletes don’t just train for game day; they focus on recovery, mental resilience, and continuous improvement. It’s about building sustainable high performance, not just short-term wins.

I was reminded of this lesson the hard way last weekend. Now, I wouldn’t call myself an elite athlete - completing the Coast to Coast in 2000 was a proud moment, but that was ... just a few years ago... These days, I live with someone who's actively chasing high performance - our teenage son. And between ensuring the fridge is stocked (never enough food, apparently) and keeping up with his packed schedule, occasionally I forget to prioritise my own needs - resting, and recharging.

Last weekend, every spare moment was spent watching our son's games, sorting out the usual weekend jobs, and answering emails (scheduled with delayed delivery, of course!) It was exciting (for the most part), but not terribly restful. By Monday, I felt far from refreshed and already playing catch-up. Not an ideal way to start the week.

So, what can leaders learn from elite athletes?

1. Purposeful time management.
   Like elite athletes who structure their routines for maximum impact, leaders need to be intentional about how they manage their time. This means prioritising tasks that truly matter and allowing space for strategic thinking.
   
2. Recovery is a performance strategy.
   Athletes schedule recovery as intentionally as training. Leaders who make time for physical and mental rest make better decisions and sustain high performance over time.
3. Commitment to continuous learning.
   Top athletes constantly refine their techniques. Leaders should do the same by seeking diverse insights, remaining curious, and investing in their own growth. Whether it’s coaching, reflection, or acquiring new knowledge, ongoing improvement matters. Who’s challenging your thinking, holding you accountable, and helping you refine your game?
4. Leveraging data and analytics.
   Athletes harness technology and data to enhance performance. Leaders, too, can benefit from embracing data-driven insights to make more informed decisions.
5. Mental fitness is as important as physical stamina.
   Athletes work on mindset as much as skill. Leaders who invest in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and adaptability thrive under pressure.
   

As you lead yourself and your teams into 2025, ask yourself: are you operating like a high-performance athlete, or are you running on fumes? And more importantly, when was the last time you truly recharged and reflected?

Ready to discuss the support you need on your leadership journey? I can help you with: 

➡️ Techniques to help you prioritise your precious time

➡️ Continuous learning, challenging your thinking, holding you accountable and helping you refine your game

➡️ Managing your mindset

Let's talk libby@libbyirwin.com

P.S. If you’re curious to read the full McKinsey article, click the below link: