[CAREER NEWS] The power of the "Corporate Athlete"

What do a top-level skier, a decathlon champion and an executive have in common? They all operate under intense pressure that demands high performance, sometimes in extreme contexts. However, where athletes are surrounded by a team of sports coaches, mental trainers and nutritionists to help them maximize their physical and mental energy, executives are often left to their own devices, relying on caffeine and determination to get ahead. In a world of ever-increasing performance demands, this approach can ultimately lead to chronic stress and even burnout. This is where it becomes interesting to explore the concept of the "Corporate Athlete"! But what is it?

The "Corporate Athlete" concept is inspired by the training methods used by elite athletes to enhance professional performance. By reconciling physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being, this holistic approach offers a path to optimal, sustainable performance. In a context where burn-out is becoming an increasingly common reality, adopting this model transforms the way leaders manage their energy and priorities.

Origins of the concept 

The "Corporate Athlete" concept was developed by Dr. Jack Groppel and Dr. Jim Loehr. Their collaboration with world-class athletes over more than 25 years led them to adapt their proven methods to the corporate world, where daily pressures demand optimal energy management. 

Indeed, top-level sport has understood for some time that the physical alone is not enough. For decades, top coaches have been investing in the mental and emotional health of their athletes. Gradually, the business world has come to recognize that corporate teams too need a multi-level performance model to cope with the demands of the workplace.

Drawing on the lessons of sport, Dr. Jack Groppel and Dr. Jim Loehr have defined a "Performance Pyramid" to specify the sustainable sources of high performance in the company to achieve a lasting balance called the "Ideal Performance State" on both a personal and professional level

Their pyramid is based on two principles:

1/ Stress, in and of itself, is not a problem and can even be an engine for growth. The real issue lies in the absence of recovery time. Without rituals to regenerate, chronic stress eventually leads to exhaustion and, ultimately, complete collapse.

2/ Energy management is the most important variable. Working people need a stable pattern that balances energy expenditure and regeneration. They need routines that balance stress with recovery.

and consists of four interconnected levels:

Physical capacity is the foundation of the pyramid and represents the fundamental source of our energy. It encompasses elements such as diet, sleep and physical activity, which support the other dimensions. Without a healthy body, we can't function, let alone perform at our best. 

Just as sports professionals have well-defined intervals to promote muscle rebuilding, corporate workers need to give themselves regular breaks to recharge their batteries and gradually increase their performance capacity. Without these breaks, they can become vulnerable to anxiety and loss of concentration.

Managing emotions well is crucial to maintaining motivation, resilience and balance in the face of challenges. It's about learning to transform negative emotions into positive energy. 

Just as anxiety and tension can cause an athlete to choke under pressure, negative emotions drain energy in the business world. We can't perform at our best when fear or frustration are ever-present. We need to feel safe and supported.

This level represents cognitive abilities such as concentration, decision-making and time management, which are key factors in improving performance. Strengthening this level enables you to deal effectively with complex problems. 

What interferes with concentration depletes our energy. In recent years, breathing and meditation practices have proved not only effective for training attention, but also valuable for calming the mind.

At the top of the pyramid, the spiritual level reflects personal values and the deeper meaning of our actions. It's here that we align our professional objectives with our deepest convictions, to increase our commitment tenfold.

Each level of the pyramid influences the others: a weakness at one level can compromise the strength of the whole. The aim of this pyramid is to guide professionals towards a holistic approach, where the harmonious development of the different dimensions creates a virtuous circle of performance and well-being. It should be read as a reminder that energy, not time, is the resource to be optimized for sustainable performance.

Ä For each of these levels, here are a few suggested routines to try out for your well-being!

Physical dimension: this foundation consists of improving physical condition to support the other dimensions. A balanced diet rich in plant-based fibers, restful sleep and regular physical activity help to maintain high energy levels. For example, regular mini-breaks and short exercises (e.g. stretching or brisk walking) can revitalize the body and improve concentration. You can also prioritize quality sleep by establishing a consistent bedtime routine, avoiding screens before bed and creating an environment conducive to rest.

Emotional dimension: emotions have a direct influence on performance quality. Managing negative emotions, such as frustration or impatience, is essential to prevent burnout.

Cultivating positive emotions, through gratitude rituals, deep breathing or caring interactions, promotes resilience and motivation. For example, keep a gratitude journal to focus your energy on the positive aspects of your day. When negative emotions arise, use breathing techniques to regulate your reaction.

Mental dimension: relies on concentration and clarity to effectively process complex information. Techniques such as meditation, goal visualization and strategic pauses help maintain optimal focus. It's important to focus on one task at a time to avoid mental exhaustion, and to create regular rituals to improve productivity. In addition, it's essential to cultivate a positive attitude and remember to step back and think about aspects of life beyond work. Varying activities and taking small steps will improve performance over the long term.

Spiritual dimension: based on the search for meaning in one's work, by aligning one's actions with one's personal values. This strengthens motivation, resilience and commitment, transforming everyday tasks into meaningful missions. Tap into your core values to stay determined, even in difficult times. Find spiritual fulfillment by connecting your work to a larger purpose. Finally, take the time to reflect and ask for support when necessary to maintain your motivation.

Conclusion

In an ever-changing and increasingly demanding work environment, the "Corporate Athlete" concept invites us not to work harder, but to work smarter and more consciously. Where fragmented approaches show their limits, holistic energy management, according to the authors of this concept, becomes essential for sustainable performance and healthy balance. The "Corporate Athlete" concept thus offers an innovative approach to performance at work by cultivating harmony between body, mind, emotions and values. By integrating this discipline, working professionals can not only excel in their careers, but also safeguard their well-being. 

I'll end with this quote from Dr. Jim Loehr to ponder:

"Energy, not time, is our most precious resource"!

To go further, you can read the Corporate Athlete reference book on the subject:

The Corporate Athlete: How to Achieve Maximal Performance in Business and Life

English edition by authors Jack L. Groppel & Jim Loehr.

Elizabeth TOUCAS - Executive Strengths Coach & Career Manager - IÉSEG Network

For any requests you may have for personalized Executive Coaching or for information on the IÉSEG Network Career Development Services, please contact me: e.toucas@ieseg.fr or +33.6.85.33.01.57.