The vital link between sports training and effective management

_{^{During my pregnancies and postpartum I managed to keep up with my workouts. Since returning to work with 3 under 4 it has been a bit more challenging to find the time or maybe jus t the energy for a regular work out regimen. “Papa Globy” felt inspired to remind me why working out is important e.g. when being a manager, too. He has been very good at incorporating an almost daily work out in his routine. If you want to find out more visit beboxfit.com. Now let’s hear from him:}}

“I learned in my Ph.D. the discipline I needed to be successful. Most boxers are not that disciplined. They have talent, but the self-organization – the ability to schedule yourself and your priorities – is lacking. My studies were about the control of training on both the psychological and the physical side.”

Wladimir Klitschko- Former Boxing Heavyweight Champion of the World (unified WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, and Ring magazine)

Challenge Management- book by Wladimir Klitschko

The intersection between training and management isn’t given enough attention in my view. The way in which Klitschko drew from higher education to inform his boxing career, so too can we draw from boxing, or competitive sports in general to inform one’s management career. 

Let’s be real, self-interest is what drives leadership. This is why leadership is rife with competition, especially as you climb up the ladder where the air gets thinner. The pressure to perform consistently at peak levels can be intense. In turn, it can get mentally, emotionally and even physically draining. From making critical decisions that affect people’s lives to inspiring teams, leaders are expected to “bob-and-weave” around complex challenges with clarity and resilience.

Failure is acceptable only if you learn, adjust and bounce back stronger, not unlike combat sports.  

Benefits of regular exercise

Amidst this demanding environment, one often overlooked but crucial aspect of success is regular exercise (and preferably boxing). Let’s delve into why incorporating physical activity is not just beneficial but essential for those in leadership roles. 

1. Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity

We all heard said at least once that exercise is a potent stress reliever. For leaders constantly facing deadlines, internal and external negotiations, strategic planning demands etc., stress can be overwhelming. On top of that, if you are fortunate to have a family and social life to manage in parallel, work-life balance becomes critical. 

Here, physical activity will help you release endorphins, which are both natural mood lifters, as well as help reduce cortisol levels, thereby promoting a sense of calm and mental clarity. This clarity will be much needed when making decisions that impact the entire organization.

2. Enhanced Cognitive Function

Numerous studies have shown a direct link between exercise and improved cognitive function. Cardiovascular activities increase blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory, concentration, and overall cognitive abilities. For leaders juggling multiple responsibilities and needing to think on their feet, this cognitive boost can significantly improve performance and efficiency.

3. Boosted Energy Levels

Long hours and regular meetings can drain energy levels, leading to fatigue and decreased productivity. Engaging in regular physical activity boosts energy by improving cardiovascular health and increasing endurance. Leaders who maintain high energy levels throughout the day get more done and are better equipped to handle the demands of their roles effectively. They can also help motivate others into action by redirecting some of that energy towards positive action or by simply uplifting their colleagues. 

4. Building Resilience

Leadership often involves dealing with setbacks, criticism, and high-pressure situations. Regular exercise builds resilience both mentally and physically. It teaches perseverance, discipline, and the ability to bounce back from challenges—a crucial skill for effective leadership when the going gets tough.

5. Improved Interpersonal Skills and Team Dynamics

Teamwork and effective communication are foundational to successful leadership. Participating in team sports or group exercise activities fosters bonding, trust, and collaboration. These experiences translate into improved interpersonal skills and the ability to build stronger, more cohesive teams within the organization.

6. Stress tolerance and grit

Grit has been all the talk lately in leadership and management discussions. Stress, is an unavoidable part of demanding situations. What athletes do for recovery sometime involves putting their body though extreme stress via deliberate heat and/or cold exposure (Saunas or Ice baths). This exposure, aside from its health benefits, is known to increase tolerance to unwanted situations and perseverance, a.k.a Grit. 

How to incorporate workouts in your daily routine

Here are a few practical techniques for incorporating exercise into your daily work schedule:

1. Schedule Exercise as Non-Negotiable Time: Treat exercise like any other important meeting or task by scheduling it into your calendar. This helps prioritize physical activity amidst a busy schedule. For example, since I have a family with 3 kids under the age of 5, I like to get my training done early in the morning before the house comes to life. When that is not possible for whatever reason (typically because my kids are like vampires who wake up before the break of dawn), I block 1 to 1.5 hours during my work day to go the gym. Aim for high to moderate intensity work out at least 5 days/week.
2. Choose Activities You Enjoy: Whether it’s jogging, swimming, yoga, or a team sport, find activities that you genuinely enjoy. This increases the likelihood of sticking with a routine. I choose boxing and pencak silat as my main activity which I train for, 4-5 days/week. I then mix in strength and conditioning around those days.
3. Combine Exercise with Networking: One smart way to get the creative juices flowing, instead of traditional meetings, consider walking meetings or joining colleagues for a workout session. This promotes both physical activity and team bonding. I started a Corporate fight club at my company and we meet once a week for 2 hours. Like-minded colleagues who are practitioners of different martial arts to mine join and we take turns in teaching other colleagues /sharing knowledge about our respective martial art.
4. Start Small and Build Consistency: Begin with manageable goals and gradually increase intensity and duration. Consistency is key to reaping the long-term benefits of exercise.
5. Incorporate Movement Throughout the Day: Even if you can’t dedicate a specific block of time to exercise, incorporate movement into your daily routine. Take the stairs, stretch at your desk, or go for a brisk walk during breaks. Pro tip: get yourself an entry level Fitbit (AMAZON LINK) with step counter and aim to get your 13,000 recommended daily step count in. Gamification of exercise/sport shouldn’t be underestimated.

Conclusion

Exercise doesn’t only provide health benefits—it also provides a competitive advantage for corporate leaders. By looking at how professional boxers or competitive athletes structure their programs and mindset, leaders can enhance their physical disposition, mental acuity, resilience, and interpersonal skills, ultimately leading to more effective decision-making and organizational structuring. Making exercise a priority isn’t just about staying fit; it’s about becoming a better leader. So, get into the athlete mindset and lead your team to victory—one punch at a time.

_{Photo by Karolina Kaboompics}