As South Africans, we’re all super proud of Wade. A world record and Olympic Gold. Outstanding! It makes me proud to be vaguely associated, even if it is only through our country of birth.
But who of us can name any of the other athletes in that same race?
The thing is that without the other seven athletes, the 400m men’s race would not be an Olympic event.
It’s the same in business.
It is the entire crew (as motley as crews can sometimes be) that creates the outcome of an event.
Why is it then that we only concentrate on the super achievers? Why are we not more focused on team remuneration and smaller positive reinforcements?
I think of instances where the sales teams are rewarded with overseas holidays whilst the poor production team is working overtime to get the job out. I often hear of situations where the top achiever is perceived as the one that takes to the stage for the presentation, but the support and input from the office manager is overlooked.
Are we that short-sighted that we truly forget all about the other guys in the race? Or are we that achievement-orientated that results at all costs are what we focus on? Even if it puts the entire event or organisation at risk?
To ensure that we are not partaking in a once-off event we need to encourage all athletes to participate with much effort and the only way to do that is through constant support and recognition of those very efforts.
So from me to those other seven guys: Khirani, LaShawn, Machel, Karabo, Ali, Bralon and Matthew. Thank you for your input, thank you for providing us with the privilege of witnessing this fantastic event, thank you for pushing Wade to the extent you did, thank you for all your blood, sweat and tears. We hope to see you participating again next time around.
And to those managers out there – remember, every tiny contribution helps, never forget to acknowledge that.
© Debbie Engelbrecht
Debbie is the CEO of Staff Training, a soft skills training company offering more than 60 short courses including a suite of management and leadership options. Find out more here.