It’s been 21 years since I last completed a triathlon, so it was with more than a little trepidation that I competed in today’s Regina Beach Triathlon.

A triathlon is normally a swim, bike and run event. Due to extremely unusual rain, snow and water levels, the lake water level was six feet higher than normal and the swim portion was cancelled due to floating debris (like old refrigerators, boat docks and other dangerous things).

Today’s race started with a short run down a big hill, and then a grueling run back up that same, darn hill. That set my heart rate monitor to record highs and challenged my mental toughness and emotional commitment. But I wasn’t quitting. And, I still hate being passed (and I was passed by alot of people).

Here are some lessons from today’s triathlon:

1. You need clear goals. After a 21 year hiatus, my goal was to improve my physical condition, have fun, and complete the race. What are the goals  for your employees in your business?
2. As ye train, so shall ye race. Do you train your employees and practice customer interactions so people can learn and improve in a safe environment?
3. Nothing beats being prepared; mentally, physically, and emotionally. How do you prepare your employees to be successful?
4. You need a strategy. If you start too fast, you’ll run out of gas. Pacing yourself to finish, and look good crossing the finish line, are important goals.
5. Your equipment needs to be in good shape: chain lubricated, tires full of air, brakes worthy of emergency stops, and comfortable. Thanks to Dane and the great folks at Western Cycle for getting my ‘pink panther’ bike in great shape. Are your employees using equipment that’s in great shape and makes their jobs easier?
6. Emotional support. The course was lined with volunteers and fans, and we had lots of family, who cheered us on continually throughout the race. This made a huge difference. Are you cheering on your employees continually throughout their day?
7. Splits-each leg of the race is measured separately. How do you measure employee performance in real-time? When you have accurate metrics in real time, you can make adjustments.
8. Celebrating success. The oldest competitor was a 78 year old gentleman who completed the full Olympic distance, to the enthusiastic cheering from all the other competitors. How do you celebrate results?
9. Special thanks to my training partner, fellow triathlete and wife, Kerry. She is wonderfully encouraging (”I’ve signed you up and you’re doing this triathlon!”). Nothing achieves performance like when failure is not an option!

Can your employees complete a triathlon in your business: Marketing, customer service, and financial results?

Copyright Phil Symchych 2011. All Rights Reserved.

Tags: business, Business Success For Life, Coaching, continual learning, Customer Service, entrepreneurs, fun, leadership, Phil Symchych, profitable growth, Regina Beach triathlon, small business, small business consulting, Strategy, Symchych, Symco, Symco & Co., triathlon, Western Cycle Source for Sports

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 10th, 2011 at 5:22 pm and is filed under Life Balance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.