Leadership Lessons Learned From ‘The Boys in the Boat’  Why synchronicity leads to success in the boat–and in the workplace.

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Leadership Lessons Learned From ‘The Boys in the Boat’  Why synchronicity leads to success in the boat–and in the workplace.

By Jason Zintak, | Inc Magazine | February 2, 2024

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According to the author throughout his career–as a business development rep, an account executive, a sales leader, and now as a CEO– he has drawn lessons from his experience of rowing crew in his youth. The determination, grit, and teamwork it took to succeed in that incredibly demanding sport provided him with a lifetime of inspiration and motivation.  He was thrilled to see that one of his favorite books–one that perfectly encapsulates the challenges and growth rowers experience–has been adapted for the big screen. The Boys in the Boat doesn’t just stir his nostalgia for his rowing days; it also reinforces invaluable lessons for business leaders.

Even today, as the CEO of a revenue technology company, the themes from the water translate seamlessly into the business world.  What separate those who excel from those who lag behind are:

1. One team: unity in trust and accountability.  In rowing, as in business, the strength of a team lies not just in the capabilities of individuals, but in the compounded output of their combined efforts. Teams that foster trust, reliability, and accountability are far more efficient and likely to win than those that don’t.  By modeling a one-team mentality–demonstrating trust, accountability, collaboration, and respect–theleaders shape the way their teams interact. The result is a healthy organization in which people feel confident taking calculated risks, execute with a commitment to excellence, and own any setbacks that may occur.
2. Alignment: synchronized goals and strategies.  In both crew and in business, true efficiency occurs when all members of the team row as one. For B2B leaders, here’s what that looks like: Aligning revenue teams on the same data and the same intelligence gleaned from it, such as who the ideal customer is, which accounts to prioritize, and how hand-offs should work.  Revenue leaders have the opportunity to ensure teams are perfectly aligned and rowing in the same direction through synchronized goals, strategies, and execution.
3. The deep, inner desire to win.  Each rower’s innate desire to win is instrumental in the crew’s ultimate achievement. This is what the author calls being a “difference maker.” This term encapsulates the essence of what drives greatness–in both rowing and business.  Difference makers are individuals who take real risks to advocate for necessary changes, embodying grit, tenacity, and a high work ethic. They’re the ones who, instead of just pointing fingers from the sidelines, actively get on the field (or on the water, in this case), challenging the status quo with courage and conviction.  As leaders, our role extends beyond recognizing these traits. We must cultivate an environment in which difference makers can thrive. These are the individuals who, regardless of their role, can lead us to breakthroughs and shape our future.

3 key takeaways from the article

1. According to the author throughout his career–as a business development rep, an account executive, a sales leader, and now as a CEO– he has drawn lessons from his experience of rowing crew in his youth. The determination, grit, and teamwork it took to succeed in that incredibly demanding sport provided him with a lifetime of inspiration and motivation.  
2. He was thrilled to see that one of his favorite books–one that perfectly encapsulates the challenges and growth rowers experience–has been adapted for the big screen. The Boys in the Boat doesn’t just stir his nostalgia for his rowing days; it also reinforces invaluable lessons for business leaders.
3. Even today, as the CEO of a revenue technology company, the themes from the water translate seamlessly into the business world, where a one-team mentality, seamless alignment, and a desire to win are what separate those who excel from those who lag behind.

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Topics:  Leadership, Teams, Resielence