Elevating Performance: Lessons in Corporate Teamwork from the Leadville 100 Ultramarathon

As I’ve navigated the corporate landscape, I’ve come to recognize that teamwork can be a powerful driver of high performance—or a significant barrier to it. This realization resonates deeply with me as an endurance athlete, where the strength of a team can elevate individual efforts to remarkable heights. My journey in sports has provided me with insights that parallel our work as corporate athletes.

One shining example is Courtney Dauwalter, a trailblazing ultrarunner who embodies the essence of collaboration and resilience. Her incredible journey, along with insights from Nick Bare and the BPN team’s YouTube video, Leadville 100 Ultramarathon – More than Miles, reveals how effective teamwork can lead to extraordinary outcomes. This article explores how ultrarunning serves as a powerful metaphor for building cohesive teams in corporate settings, emphasizing shared goals, trust, and the transformative power of collaboration.

The Essence of Teamwork in Ultramarathons

Courtney Dauwalter’s Journey

Courtney Dauwalter is not just a champion ultrarunner; she is a beacon of belief in the power of teamwork. Her remarkable achievements highlight that success is rarely a solitary endeavor. In her races, she draws strength from her support team, illustrating that the journey is as valuable as the destination.

More than Miles

The Leadville 100 Ultramarathon is a perfect example of this teamwork in action. This grueling race, featuring breathtaking landscapes and staggering elevation gains, embodies the essence of collective effort. As the saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This mantra resonates deeply in both ultrarunning and corporate environments, reminding us that collaboration is key to achieving long-term goals. If you want to see an extraordinary team in action, find 48 minutes and lock in here:

Building a Cohesive Team

Finding the Right People

Creating a successful team begins with finding individuals who align with the mission. Just as ultrarunners carefully select their support teams, corporate leaders must seek out team members who share their vision and have a deep commitment to do the work. Identifying those who believe in the mission fosters an environment of collaboration and shared purpose. It’s also important to ensure there are no conflicts of goal among the members of the team, roles should be well defined in addition to the north star goal.

The Role of Positivity and Calmness

Dauwalter’s races are characterized by an unwavering positivity that uplifts her team. In high-stress corporate settings, maintaining a positive mindset can be the difference between success and failure. As she puts it, “My crew just believed – sometimes that’s all it takes.” This belief fosters an atmosphere where team members feel empowered to take risks and innovate.

Overcoming Challenges Together

In both ultrarunning and corporate projects, effective planning and adaptability are essential. Teams must learn to manage expectations and navigate setbacks. By focusing on what they can control, teams can remain resilient in the face of challenges. Celebrating collective achievements fosters camaraderie and reinforces the idea that everyone contributes to success.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

The Role of Leaders in Fostering Team Spirit

Inspiring and Protecting the Team

Leaders are responsible for shielding their teams from negativity and distractions. By maintaining a focus on the mission and inspiring team members, leaders create an environment where everyone can thrive. Emotional intelligence becomes a crucial asset in navigating the complexities of teamwork.

I’ve experienced, and seen leaders wrestle with, the challenge of handling high performers with low trust versus low performers with high trust—a topic highlighted by Simon Sinek on the Michael Gervais podcast, “Finding Mastery.” The first step in both situations is to understand the root of the issue and provide coaching to facilitate improvement. However, despite continued efforts, if the individual either can’t or won’t change, difficult decisions may be necessary.

A high performer with low trust can be particularly detrimental to team morale and cohesion. In such cases, letting them go might temporarily impact the top line, but in the long term, it’s often better for the team culture and overall performance. Prioritizing trust and collaboration ultimately fosters a more positive and productive work environment.

Empowering Team Members

Anyone can be a leader, regardless of their official title. By recognizing the potential in others and nurturing their growth, leaders can build a team that is not only committed to the mission but also empowered to pursue their individual excellence.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Understanding the barriers to effective teamwork is crucial. Patrick Lencioni identifies five dysfunctions: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. These dysfunctions can lead to missed opportunities and hindered performance. Which of these dysfunctions are true for your team? Recognizing and addressing them is essential for cultivating a cohesive, high-performing team.

Building Trust

Engage in team-building activities that promote vulnerability and openness. Leaders should model this behavior by sharing their own challenges and admitting mistakes, creating a safe environment for everyone.

Encouraging Healthy Conflict

Establish norms for healthy debate, creating ground rules that encourage open dialogue and ensure differing opinions are valued. Facilitating conversations with a neutral guide can help ensure all voices are heard.

Fostering Commitment

Clarifying goals and objectives is vital. Ensure everyone understands and agrees on the team’s direction, revisiting these goals regularly to maintain focus. Participation in decision-making enhances commitment, making team members feel invested in the outcomes.

Promoting Accountability

Set clear expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins allow team members to share updates, celebrate successes, and tackle challenges together, fostering a culture of mutual support.

Focusing on Results

Emphasize collective goals over individual achievements. Recognizing team successes reinforces this mindset. Utilize clear performance metrics to track progress, ensuring alignment and focus on achieving objectives.

By implementing these strategies, teams can overcome dysfunctions and foster a collaborative, high-performing environment, much like the dynamics in ultrarunning. Just as ultrarunners depend on trust, healthy conflict, and shared goals to tackle challenges, corporate teams can apply these principles to enhance performance. In both settings, promoting accountability and focusing on collective results turns individual efforts into extraordinary achievements. Whether on the trail or in the boardroom, embracing these strategies cultivates a resilient team spirit that inspires everyone to reach new heights.