It’s that special time of the year when America comes together to cheer for the USA for nearly 3 weeks! “The theatrical, four-hour ceremony that aired live on Friday afternoon in the U.S. came in 10 million viewers higher than NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Tokyo opening ceremony in 2021 and more than 2 million higher than Rio in 2016, according to NBCUniversal.” The history behind the Olympics is fascinating and dense!
Olympics Fostered Unity and Understanding
The ancient Greeks believed that the Olympics fostered unity and understanding among others, which is the overall point we want to discuss. The original values of Olympism as expressed in the Olympic Charter were to “encourage effort”, “preserve human dignity” and “develop harmony”. Over time, they have evolved and are now expressed in more contemporary terms as:
- Striving for excellence and encouraging people to be the best they can be.
- Demonstrating respect in many different manners: respect towards yourself, the rules, your opponents, the environment, the public, etc.
- Celebrating friendship, which is quite unique to the Olympic Games – an event that brings people together every few years.
Today, that same spirit can help us zap the generational gaps and differences we face in our multigenerational workplaces. So, how can we channel our inner Olympians to create a more connected and collaborative environment? Let’s share some ideas…
Striving for Excellence: In a S.M.A.R.T Way
It’s important to emphasize that excellence is never about being perfect; perfection is not a realistic goal. Striving for excellence is about growing to the best version of yourself, inside and outside of work.
- Challenge yourself with S.M.A.R.T goals: S.M.A.R.T = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. In general, SMART goals are effective because they provide the clarity, focus, and motivation you need to achieve your goals. They’re also time-bound and measurable, so you’ll know when you’ve completed a goal. Make time to celebrate your wins and be proud of yourself!
- Support your teammates: Mutual respect, collaboration, and a willingness to help others is what truly makes an environment special & successful. Are you cultivating an environment where individuals feel valued, empowered, and able to be their true selves?
- Understand the organization’s mission & vision: Harvard Business Review reports that companies with a clearly defined and communicated mission statement have higher levels of employee engagement and loyalty. Additionally, 63% of employees at companies with solid mission statements report being motivated, versus 31% at other companies.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” ― Aristotle
Demonstrating Respect: You & Your Words Matter
In the spirit of the Olympics, respect means valuing everyone, regardless of their background, experience, or opinions.
- Listen actively: According to Harvard Business Review, “research shows that those who engage in active listening are seen as more competent, likable, and trustworthy by others.”
- Celebrate differences: Embrace diversity and learn from those who are different from you. Remember, even the ancient Olympics eventually opened their doors to women athletes!
- Choose your words carefully: With the surge of remote work, it’s more important than ever for leaders to recognize the power in their voice. Especially while communicating remotely over video where body language won’t necessarily come through, your words matter even more.
By fostering a respectful environment, both in-person and online, you’ll create a workplace where everyone feels safe to share their ideas and contribute their unique talents.
Celebrating Friendship: Zapping the Gap Across the Generations
Just like the Olympics bring together athletes from all walks of life, our workplaces are best suited when they reflect openness and diversity.
- Connect with your colleagues: Getting to know your team members can help build trust and promote open communication between you and those you manage. While it may seem simple, showing your team members you are interested in them can benefit your team’s overall production and job satisfaction.
- Be supportive: Offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement when needed. Remember, you and your words matter.
- Create opportunities for collaboration: A study conducted by Stanford University found that participants who worked collaboratively were able to stay with a task 64% longer than those who worked independently. The Olympics are a beautiful representation of connection, support, and collaboration.
By embracing the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, we can transform our workplaces and the future generations to come. We tie our time together with the new Olympic motto, as of July 2021: “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter” “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.”