The Jamaican team broke the world’s record winning the gold medal, despite the slight advantage of the Americans up to the third leg. In the last 100 metres, Usain Bolt was handed in the baton before the American team, and made the final difference with his incredible speed and determination.
The other striking moment was the disqualification of the Canadian team after the third leg runner stepped on a line.
Few lessons can be learnt from these 36.84 seconds time window victory.
First lesson: From the outcome of the race, speed and synchronization are more powerful than speed alone.
Second lesson: Placing the right people in the right position based on personal attributes. It is called in relay jargon “front loading versus back loading” (Best to worst or worst to best). Identifying who can make the highest impact in a change management program?
Third lesson: Who is most capable of standing the high stress competition setting in the last leg? Usain Bolt most probably. Showing calmness and composure, poise and strong competitive attitude, high stride and frequency for the curve runner leg.
Fourth lesson Preparing for a change management program is key, making sure your team is ready for change. Handoffs of the relay baton needs careful preparation. It requires consistency (right hand, left hand, right hand, left hand). Exchange and change agents are your ticket for qualification or disqualification. I like the metaphor of “the fall of the baton”. Not stepping on the line needs to be rehearsed.
Fifth lesson in a space of 20 metres, three zones are successively paramount (Exchange zone, Acceleration zone and Fly zone). The exchange zone is marked by two triangles, one at the start while the second is at the end. In project and change management setting the first triangle refers to, scope, time and budget, accelerating and flying to people, profit and planet.
Finally, some questions for thoughts:
How change can happen without losing momentum, speed and acceleration?
How to consider and evaluate the spacing between the runners or project team members for best results?
How an outstretched arm can cost you a leg?
A creative professional coach can guide you in this exciting journey. Change for the better
