Olympic Courage

The Olympics offer such a great glimpse into the courage it takes to succeed. Every few years we have an opportunity to see talent, training and perseverance at work on our television screens. As I watched the games yesterday NBC offered a reflective piece on the 1980 hockey team.l That team stunned the world (and maybe themselves) by beating the Soviets and then going on to win the Olympic Gold.

That team was full of leaders who mustered their talent and tenacity and placed both in the hands of Herb Brooks, their coach. In his hands he molded then motivated their ability into one of the best sports stories in the history of the U.S.

That story reminded me how important it is for leaders to push through the barriers that place limits their teams. To push people out of their comfort zone to achieve more than the obvious. The times we are operating in call for leaders to demonstrate the courage to push past obstacles with firmness and to boldly seize opportunities.