10 Leadership Lessons From Top United States Olympic Athletes

This past week I had the privilege of being in the Chicagoland area as part of the Willow Creek Association Global Leadership Summit.  If you missed any of the speakers or their insights click the Complete Content Listing From The 2016 Global Leadership Summit Speakers,  While in town, I obviously spent several nights in a hotel and read the daily edition of the USA Today newspaper provided to guests.  The Olympic coverage provided countless leadership insights.
The following are 10 Leadership Lessons From Top United States Olympic Athletes.  Regardless of if you lead a church, business, non-profit, or athletic organization, these lessons will make you a better leader.  Two of the quotes came from the Cleveland Browns training camp but we so good, I had to include them.
Also, do not fret, the historic U.S. ladies gymnastics team will get a post solely dedicated to their efforts in the near future.
August 10th

• Apex Leaders Work Hard – “We’re confident because of the hard work.  We’re consistent because of the hard work.” – U.S. female gymnastics team captain Aly Raisman
• Leaders Do Not Confuse Activity With Accomplishment – “Innovations are everywhere – cancer research, iPhone apps, Olympic sports training, cloud computing – they are just not showing up in the eta that measures gross domestic product.” – IHS Global economist Patrick Newport.
• Your Level Of Expectation Determines Your Level Of Preparation – “I expect to win.  And nothing says that we can’t.  I’m not going to think we can’t.  I don’t think our players are going to think we can’t.  We’re going to work as hard as anybody across the National Football League.” – new Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson
• Leadership Takes Time And Is A Developmental Process – “We know it’s going to take time for those guys to show up on the field.  We’re willing to be patient with our young guys as they develop.” – Browns new executive vice president Sashi Brown
• Leaders Must Be Willing To Pay A Higher Price Than Others – “I just knew I had to really dig deep.  That’s the closest I’ve ever come to throwing up in the middle of a race.” – U.S. gold medal Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky
• You Never Have To Recover From A Good Start – “Our sport is one that rewards early efforts…you need to trust in your physiology and your ability to kind of fight through pain, to keep taking good strokes and to get yourself the result you want.” – U.S. rower Austin Hack
• Apex Leaders Are Highly Focused – “My job is to win the game for the U.S., and I’m going to do everything possible to do that.” – basketball player Kyrie Irving

August 11th

• Apex Leaders Get Better By Making Other People Better – “Sometimes I think I wouldn’t be the swimmer I am today if I didn’t have Michael (Phelps).  We both push each other.  We both bring the best out of each other.” – U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte

August 12th

• Smart Leaders Choose Their Legacy. – “I think no matter what, my judo legacy is fulfilled and I’m happy and happy with my career.  Now it’s time to go and continue to have a legacy off the mat and try to change the world.” – U.S. judo gold medal winner Kayla Harrison
• “When you have a refreshed perspective and a newfound purpose, it gives you a sense of renewed spirit and excitement.” – U.S. wrestler Jordan Burroughs

What is one lesson you learned from the U.S. Olympic team which will make you a better leader?

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