The winter Olympics are complete and we are now able to reflect on some of the key performances at the event. As I reflect on the many events I watched, I was amazed at the slim margin that separated the first place from second place.
The March 11th issue of the New York Times had a chart entitled "Fractions of a Second: The Margin Between Gold and Also-Ran." In this chart it highlights that in the blink of an eye a person can go from getting the gold medal to coming in second. Some examples:
| Event |
Winning Time |
Seconds behind first place |
| Men's Downhill |
1:54.31 |
less than 0.25 seconds |
| Women's Giant slalom |
2:27.11 |
less than 0.25 seconds |
| Women's 1,000M speed skating |
1:16.56 |
less than 0.25 seconds |
The chart in the Times has many other events listed with the same time difference. When I read this I have to stop and wonder, what separated the gold medal winner from second place? Did they train harder, work longer, work smarter in the four years leading up to the Olympics? Was it their equipment, their coaching, their diet, etc? As I watched the Olympics these questions continued to circle in my mind and what I keep coming back to is how to answer these questions is with a simple YES! To get the gold medal requires you to work longer, harder and smarter. To constantly be looking for the best coaching techniques, the best equipment to push them to be the best is the heart and soul of an Olympic champion.
This same intensity can apply to business. Who are those leaders in the market? What keeps them on top or pushes them to displace the "gold medal winners of the past?" It comes down to doing the little things well. Daily looking at ways to improve or see what your competitors are doing and figuring out ways to differentiate yourselves. It's constantly looking at ways to reinvent your business as the market changes and knowing where you can be successful. It's the little things that add up to the big wins. I came across this video a few months ago that I think highlights the gold medal winners in business from those who finish second. Take a look. I would love to hear your thoughts.