Did you happen to watch Tod Sampson’s “Body Hack” last week? Tod has run a number of documentaries around training your brain and this latest series appears to carry on his passion. He wants to understand the power of the brain.
In last week’s episode he gave himself two weeks to train in MMA (multi martial arts) and to then stay one round in the ring. I will say at this point that I do not support the MMA sport.
The gym he trained at was at the pinnacle of MMA. It didn’t just focus on phsyical capability or fighting technique (apparently you need to be proficient in 7 different forms of martial arts). It was also highly focuses on mindset and training the fighters to control their emotions be they fear, aggression, or any other emotions going on. They had some pretty amazing brain training specialists and programs.
Anyway that wasn’t what really resonated with me.
As Tod was getting to know some of the champion fighters, he headed out to where one lived. This guy had just bought a new 4WD and was being filmed showing off doing donuts etc. Anyway he flipped the vehicle, extensively damaging it. He had 2 or 3 guys in the back seat, all with seat belts fortunately.
The fighter got out uninjured, so too did his passengers. What was really amazing what how calm and “normal” this guy was. It was very clear indication of the power of mind over matter; that it doesn’t matter how big the shock, surprise, or uncertainty, you can train to be completely calm and in control of the situation.
These MMA fighters are highly disciplined and perfect their art. This also extends to their mindset. They believe that mind and body are equally important in their sport.
Leadership today is more than just techincal knowledge, influencing, and driving people for results. Resilience, being comfortable with the unknown, being courageous enough to admit you don’t have the answers, are characteristices that define great leadership style.
As a leader, how much time do you put in to refining your leadership style? Are you able to navigate your emotions and those of others when under pressure? Can you take risks and trust others when times are tough?
Your conversations in these moments have immense power. The power to connect with others takes conversational intelligence.
Have you noticed that the role of the leader has changed over the years? It is more complex, uncertain and ambiguous. Others depend on you having a controlled leadership style. In the fast paced and demanding working environment your ability to continually ride the storms without being burnt out or worse is critical for you, your people, and the organisation.
Powerful conversation skills cannot be taught in a 1-off training course. Everyone however can develop them over time with on-going support and opportunity. The ability to have robust conversations enables people and companies to learn and grow together creating value, wealth, and trust.
Oh and if you didn’t see the Body Hack program, Tod Sampson managed to fight and survive nearly two rounds. He was pretty impressed with his effort.
