Why Becoming a Marathon Runner Should be the Next CEO Requirement
Running a company, no matter the size, is a daunting task (or so I've heard, as no I have not already done so). Running a marathon, (again, haven't been there or done that one yet either), is equally as daunting and the success rate is low. The two tasks--or career paths--parallel each other, requiring diligence, preparation and consistency.
While some may believe CEOs to be all powerful, magically competent individuals who do whatever they want, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Being a CEO means meeting the needs of an entire company —its employers, customers, investors, communities, and the law have to be taken into consideration on a daily basis. As CEO you hold yourself accountable for the entirety of a company. This is something impossible unless you have mastered holding yourself accountable.
Similarly, running a marathon includes extensive training and commitment. If you are planning on running a marathon, chances are you won’t run it once and be done. It’s a lifestyle, a new way of living. You won’t run it without training, and this in itself takes an extensive amount of consistency and determination.
This is why I am proposing this to be the next requirement for all CEOs—actually becoming a marathon runner. No, not an “Oh maybe I’ll go for a jog today after my Happy Meal,” occasional runner. Rather, a dedicated, diligent, and consistent runner.
Here are my three reasons why becoming a marathon runner should be included in the CEO job description:
If you can control yourself, you can control others. Not that control is what makes companies successful, but when you have a controlled, self-disciplined and orderly environment, your business will thrive. When you take care of yourself and your body, you won’t burn out, and neither will your company. Stay on top of your habits, inside and outside of the office, and your company will soar while your employees respect you.
When you can push yourself in one aspect of your life, you will push yourself in other aspects. When you are able to fit in training into your busy work schedule, and push yourself in the entirety of that one or two allotted hours of training while no one is watching, you will succeed. Integrity is key in both the business and athletic worlds, and when you view your training and healthy lifestyle as being equal to your business, both aspects of your life will compliment one another.
If training is a daily part of your life, that shows consistency. Consistent hard work is appreciated and highly respected in all realms of the business world. It’s easy to have one great idea, eat one good meal, and have one good meeting, but to push yourself every single day is challenging and is a quality employers look for. Quality employees under the CEO look for consistency in the leaders they choose. Employees create leaders, and you can’t become a leader without followers. In the wise words of Aristotle, “Quality is not an act, it is a habit.”
I realize that there are two prominent oppositions to this claim: One, being “fit” like a professional athlete doesn’t automatically bring on success, just as being “unfit” doesn’t mean you are unequipped for the job. Two, there are other ways to become “fit” and productive that doesn’t include extensive running (bodybuilding, yoga and eating healthier).
I can agree with the latter. The intensity, discipline, and length of a marathon can teach you a lot about the intensity, discipline, and lengthiness that goes into running a company. There are many things that running can teach you that you can carry into your business including beta testing, keeping your form, and pacing yourself--a few of which most equitably parallel the job description of a CEO.
I cannot, however, agree that a lack of self-discipline in other aspects of your life will bring you success in the workplace. While there are instances where people who eat poorly or whose exercise levels aren’t high are productive and successful professionally, those who lead healthier lifestyles in regard to exercise regimens create highly efficient workplaces. In these environments, willpower and discipline contribute to their success.
It doesn’t matter if you are in high school, college, at the managerial position within your company, or already CEO. Find a training program, sign up for a race, lace up those kicks and burn some rubber! I'm right behind ya...
xx
Mackenzie
