There are many parallels between elite sport and business leadership, from which we can draw valuable inspiration to help navigate through today's increasingly turbulent and competitive business environment.

Just like top-performing athletes, effective business leaders have very different characters and strengths. They spend time analysing their strengths and natural abilities and find a place where they can shine. For business leaders, this also means using their strengths to free up and optimize the collective talents and abilities of team members in pursuit of a compelling vision.

However, the truly outstanding leaders don't stop there. Through hard work, dedication and continuous stretch – of themselves, others and the organization – they ensure they are always looking for ways to improve and take advantage of new opportunities. Like Olympic gold medalists, they don't rest on their laurels when they achieve success. They look to the next challenges and work hard to move beyond their comfort zone, inspiring others to do the same. Olympians know that, in their pursuit of gold, it is unlikely that they will be enjoying what they are doing all of the time. They engage in training routines that sometimes sap their energy and can't be delegated to others.

They must also learn to tackle their weaker areas through hard work and by drawing on their strengths and those of others, including their coach, colleagues and teammates. In business it is no different. Effective leaders remain mindful of their strengths to boost their confidence, resourcefulness and energy to overcome performance blockers. They tap into the talents of those around them, using their strengths to compensate for any areas of weakness.

I recommend this book because it is one of the few I have read that focuses on strengths building and provides practical guidance to help leaders discover their unique leadership edge, develop productive habits and achieve peak performance. Through understanding and practising the habits in this book, leaders can bring the best of themselves to their roles, inspiring passion, innovation and engagement in those they lead.

Kriss Akabusi, MBE, FPSA
Soldier, Olympic Athlete, Television Presenter
and Professional Speaker