"Will It Make The Boat Go Faster"

"You get what you focus on. You don't have to work harder; it's not through doing more hours, it is by being more focused within those hours."

 If you are looking to take your team's performance to the gold medal level, then get yourself a copy of "Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?" the book from which that quote is taken.

Written by Ben Hunt-Davis MBE and Harriet Beveridge, this inspiring book chronicles the journey of a British rowing eight to Olympic victory. But more than just a sports story, it's a treasure trove of practical strategies applicable to any organisation.

The Core Message: Ruthless Prioritisation

The book's central theme revolves around the concept of "Will it make the boat go faster?". Every decision, training session, and even meal choice was evaluated through this lens.

This translates perfectly to any organisation. We all have limited resources – time, budget, people. By constantly asking "Will this activity directly contribute to our core objectives?" you can ruthlessly evaluate projects and processes, prioritise tasks, eliminate distractions that don't move the needle.

Here are a few examples of how the book's strategies can be applied in your organisation

Focus on Measurable Improvement:  The team meticulously tracked every aspect of their training. Similarly, implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress on your goals. Analyse data to identify areas for improvement and prioritise actions that will have the biggest impact.

Embrace Continuous Improvement:  The book emphasises the importance of constantly seeking small improvements, this could be streamlining processes, optimising workflows, or implementing new technologies. Encourage a culture of experimentation and feedback to continuously refine your approach.

Building a Cohesive Unit:  The gold medal crew wasn't just a collection of talented individuals; they were a cohesive unit that functioned as a well-oiled machine, constantly striving for better communication, coordination, and trust.  Invest in team-building and open communication channels. Encourage healthy debate and information sharing. Remember, a strong team is greater than the sum of its parts.

Visualise & Celebrate Success:  Visualising success isn't just a motivational tool; it's a strategic approach to goal attainment. By vividly envisioning our desired outcomes, we prime our minds for success and empower ourselves to overcome obstacles with unwavering determination. Acknowledge and celebrate individual and team wins, big or small. This reinforces positive behaviour and keeps everyone motivated on the road to success.

Learning from Failure:  Don’t fear setbacks, instead view them as valuable lessons that fuel growth and resilience. This mindset shift enables us to innovate fearlessly, experiment with new ideas, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. By reframing failure as a stepping stone to success, we cultivate a culture of resilience and agility that drives improvement.

"Will It Make the Boat Go Faster?" is a captivating read with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to optimise performance. It's a must-read for leaders and teams striving for excellence!