Leadership Lessons from the Olympic Torch
By Leanne Crain
Yesterday we had the enjoyment of watching the Olympic Torch make
its way through our city on its winding path to the 2010 Winter
Olympics. Our team went out to cheer it on, and we couldn't help but
draw some interesting leadership lessons from this experience.
How much trivia do you know about the torch?
The torch is lit from a main source in Athens to start its journey. Without this beginning, there is no torch.
This year, the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will be shared by 12,000 torchbearers. Each torchbearer knows exactly what is expected of them, they know exactly what they can do, and need to do to get the flame to the next person in line. The torch can only burn for a short time with each torchbearer; it must be passed to another to keep it going. Missing even one person in the relay creates a huge challenge. It does not matter if each torchbearer carries the torch in the exact same way; in fact, it creates a lot of interest and great ideas if it doesn't. The 2010 Olympic torch has been carried by dogsled, canoe, plane, horse and buggy, and even a Chuck wagon, and continues to find diverse ways to travel. Yet, despite the diversity, the torch remains ever-bright.
A special escort goes along with the torch to lock and unlock them. Without this escort to keep things going, the torches do not work.
Each torch actually has two flames. One flame that you can see, and an inner, hotter flame that keeps the outer one lit.
The torch must be able to withstand extreme conditions. Regardless what Mother Nature throws at the torch, the flame must keep burning.
In the event of a mishap where the torch goes out, the flame must be re-lit from the original flame, which travels safely in a lantern along with the torch relay.
How does this quick lesson in trivia apply to leadership? Let me show you.
A task is given to you to carry out. You cannot do it on your own. Instead, you must rely on a team to keep it going. Each person on that team is as important as the rest - if one is not accountable, everything is at risk.
The outer energy that shines brightly cannot burn without the inner flame. If your team does not feel the flame of usefulness and passion for the project, you won't see the energy they have the potential to put forth.
If the flame of your team goes out, consider yourself the support. The flame can only be re-lit one way - you must rekindle the flame from the original. Take time to meet with the team members to ensure alignment, and dedication to the project. A leaders responsibility also lies in keeping the main flame lit at all times. Don't get overwhelmed with other things and allow the flame to go out.
It is not important that each person on the team completes the task in the exact same manner. In fact, letting the team work on it in their own way creates excitement, and opens up opportunities for more creative solutions.
Remember, leadership, like the Olympics themselves, is all about Excellence, Respect and Friendship. If the torch is on its way to your town, we highly suggest rounding up your team, encouraging them to watch and cheer as it goes by, and go back to the office thinking over the lessons the torch can teach.
For more ideas on leadership and team work, please contact Gary Gzik at ggzik@bizxcel.com
Leanne Crain is a Marketing Assistant for BizXcel. Her background is marketing and tourism, and she has over 12 years experience in the sales and marketing field.
