What Leaders Can Learn from Training Like an Olympic Archer

Archery training, with its emphasis on purposeful practice, conscious focus, mental toughness, and adaptability, offers valuable lessons for business leaders. Just as an archer breaks down the technique of shooting a target from a distance with a bow and arrow into its component parts, such as posture and aim, executives can break down the challenge of “becoming a better leader” into concrete, actionable, and manageable steps. Just as archers are taught to improve their focus and channel all their energy into the perfect shot through rigorous mental disciplines, such as meditation and self-talk, businesspeople can use similar techniques to develop transformative focus. Just as archers practice visualization and cognitive reframing to manage stress and stay calm in difficult situations, leaders can use scenario planning and self-talk to build resilience. Finally, just as archers develop the ability to adapt to different conditions (wind, light, physical and mental state of a particular moment or day), executives can try similar exercises to prepare for the unexpected.