Viewed in McKinsey
Business today is a high-stakes game. Just as modern athletes outperform past legends, today’s top executives must evolve or risk getting benched.
Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about how you structure your time, your team, and your org chart for maximum impact. Here’s how the best leaders think and train like elite athletes:
1. Own Your Time Like LeBron
LeBron James plans every hour to maximize impact—training, recovery, and sleep all fine-tuned for peak performance. The best executives do the same. Prioritize what only you can do, schedule high-value work for your best hours, and keep 20% of your calendar open for strategic pivots. Delegate, compartmentalize, and use org charts strategically—knowing who can execute what is key to efficiency.
2. Recover Like a Champion
Elite athletes know overtraining leads to burnout—so why do executives treat exhaustion like a badge of honor? Smart leaders schedule recovery: exercise, mindfulness, and high-quality sleep are non-negotiables. Sprint through high-intensity moments, then taper before the next big move. A strong, clear mind drives better decisions, especially when navigating complex org charts and managing cross-functional teams.
3. Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Golf champion Bryson DeChambeau reinvented his game and left competitors scrambling to catch up. The best executives do the same. Read widely, seek insights beyond your industry, and listen to emerging talent. “Know-it-alls” stagnate; “learn-it-alls” lead. Understanding how other companies structure their org charts can also reveal new ways to optimize leadership and decision-making.
4. Leverage Data Like an F1 Team
Formula 1 teams analyze billions of data points per race to refine strategy. Top executives must do the same—tracking performance metrics, market shifts, and personal productivity. AI, analytics, and automation aren’t just buzzwords; they’re competitive advantages.
5. Build Unshakable Resilience
Simone Biles faced the “twisties” and still came back stronger. The best executives develop the same mental toughness. Expect setbacks, absorb criticism without flinching, and bounce forward. Grit isn’t optional; it’s a leadership requirement.
🏆Final Play
Today’s executives aren’t just decision-makers—they’re architects of winning org structures. To stay ahead, structure your team, train like an athlete, and always be ready for game time.
A special thanks to Bob Sternfels and Daniel Pacthod for their groundbreaking research on leadership and performance, which served as a key inspiration for this article.
