It’s no surprise that many people turn to exercise, fitness and increased physical activity at the beginning of a new year to improve personal health. But did you know that exercise also increases your management and leadership skills?
It’s true!
Several published studies conclude that exercise and fitness contribute positively to leadership skills and also help develop leadership skills in those aspiring to management positions or business ownership.
Consider these positive effects of getting…and being…fit!
Exercise is a source of energy. When we exercise, we not only use energy we simultaneously build energy and strength. This provides business leaders with the physical endurance and capacity to meet the demands of daily tasks.
Exercise helps us concentrate and recharge the batteries. Whether your exercise routine is time at the gym lifting weights, taking a fitness class, running, playing a team sport, or competing in an individual sport like tennis, exertion through exercise helps us clear our minds and feel mentally stronger to meet the demands of daily challenges.
Exercise is shown to positively impact self confidence. Exercise takes ambition, initiative and discipline. Many individuals also set fitness goals and strive for continual improvement. A commitment to fitness, and its positive effects, can also inspire others to do the same. All of these outcomes are examples of great leadership qualities.
Taking the time to exercise each day improves balance. Finding life-work balance is essential to reducing stress and anxiety, while also promoting self care. This discipline is a positive influence on team members because it promotes a positive work environment, which can lead to a creative company culture where ideas flow and flourish.
Those who participate in sports for physical activity tout improved decision-making skills. When playing a sport, information must be processed quickly and decisions must be made quickly. Bad decisions lead to repercussions, such as the loss of a point or game, and good decisions create wins. If the sport is a team sport, leaders also develop strategic strengths, teamwork skills, and become comfortable with the thrill of a competitive environment.
Lastly, one of the main fundamentals of good leadership is fostering collaboration and cooperation amongst team members. Exercising and participating in sports influences our ability to manage complex situations, coordinate various departments, overcome obstacles, facilitate training, and help everyone effectively work together for a common goal.
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*Southland Data Processing, Inc. (“SDP”) is not a law firm. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in reaching a conclusion in a particular area of law. Applicability of the legal principles discussed may differ substantially in individual situations. Receipt of this or any other SDP materials does not create an attorney-client relationship. SDP is not responsible for any inadvertent errors that may occur in the publishing process.