5 Business Lessons To Learn From The Indian Performance At The Asian Games

The recently concluded Asian games were filled with controversies. While some impressive performances were seen, many athletes were left gasping for a bronze medal, if not silver or gold. Overall, our contingent showcased an average performance, scoring 57 medals and finishing in the eighth place. We could have done so much better if our star players like Saina Nehwal would have performed better in their respective fields.

Then there was the case of Sarita Devi who due to a controversial decision ended up with just a bronze. So, what business lessons do we learn from this year’s Asian games? Here is our take on what lessons Indian business houses can acquire from the recently concluded Asian games.

Work hard, reap benefits
Well, that’s the mantra if you ask us. The ones who worked really hard for the games got into the top 3, and some even won gold. You need to know areas within the business that require hard work; don’t worry about what others have to say, just do what you need to and make sure you deliver. You’ll automatically shut everyone down who didn’t believe in you.

Think about your team
Sarita Devi took a stand and many (including us) are proud of her. But, then she had to apologise to the connotation thinking about her team. Her actions might hurt the team made her request the association not to ban or penalise other boxers.

Similarly, in a business one cannot be selfish. This is applicable at every level. You have to think about your actions and its repercussions. Managers need to work in tandem with their juniors and encourage them. One cannot take a decision without consulting the whole lot. If something like this is being done, then the business will face blockages. Also, teammates at the same level need to have an open line of dialog. Daily or weekly meetings between co-workers will reap better benefits and successful conversion of goals.

Stay focussed
If an athlete is not focussed enough, he or she will most probably tap out. On similar lines, businesses need to stay focused on its goals, both long and short term, and work towards them. Have clearly-defined goals and stick to them, nobody wants their hard work to be wasted. If the goal for your team is to make a chair, don’t ask them to make a sofa in between. Let them complete the first task and then delegate the new one. Put a timeline on each goal and let your team do the rest. Don’t let your business lose focus and keep motivating your employees so that they can stay on track.

Don’t lose hope
You are going to face your long term nemesis in the next match. You are superman, but the next person is like your kryptonite. Sportspersons do come across statements like these. The key here is not to lose hope and make sure you go past your next target. Don’t worry if the target does not get achieved this time, there’s always a next time. But, for the next time you’ve to come back and work even harder so that you end up beating your opponent, in this case the target, with flying colours.

Managers are like coaches
Coaches help players succeed. They strategies, encourage, don’t blame and seldom shout or demotivate. Businesses should hire managers who have these qualities and more. If the managers are on top of things and can build the team in the right manner, the business is more likely to succeed. Managers need to be rock solid and should not jitter when it comes to tough goals. They should listen to the team and act promptly. On the other side, the employees need to listen to the manager and throw ideas at them.

Remember, the mid and bottom-level employees are the work force and are required to convert that bronze into gold. Maintaining a healthy relationship is what everyone is looking for. If an employee is feeling down and out, it’s the manager’s job to buck them up. Kind words and in some cases rewards can work wonders.

Image: Reuters