Flying Pigs


This past Sunday I participated in the 20th running of the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati. The first marathon I ran was four years ago, and I decided to give it another try this year. Four years ago, I ran most of the race, but ended up walking the last three miles. My goal this time was to run all the way, and improve my previous time.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I didn’t prepare as well as I would have liked, and ended up walking more than last time, and finished with a slower time. I ran across the finish line, but got there slowly. As I ran/walked, I was struck by how many lessons for leadership there are in a marathon.

1 – Encouragement means so much. Throughout the race, the streets are lined with people cheering the runners on. “Way to go!” “You got this!” “You’re doing great!” These words are very motivating. How do you use words to encourage your team of employees? Does your team know that you are their biggest fan, and hear encouragement from you regularly?

2 – Humor goes a long way. At mile 24 of the race, I stopped at the medical tent to sit in the shade and rest for a couple of minutes. As I sat down, I jokingly asked the people working there if this was the finish line. One of them replied, “Oh, no. This is just the halfway point. 13 miles to go.” Does your team enjoy good humor? Do you laugh together regularly?

3 – Great enthusiasm and positive attitudes can’t replace careful preparation. As I started the race, I was excited, motivated, ready to rock it. Somewhere around mile 16 or 17, my attitude was still positive, but my body was wearing out. I hadn’t had the necessary long runs in the last two months to truly be ready for the race. Are you and your team ready and prepared for whatever may happen in your work today, this week?

4 – When you don’t meet your goals, make the necessary changes to achieve them next time. I’m already looking at next year’s race, and evaluating what I need to do differently to achieve my goal of running the entire distance, and improving my time. What is your evaluation process for those times when you fail to achieve a desired goal? How do you make sure you are prepared the next time?

I love the quote from Henry Ford that is in Section One of Called to Lead: “I am looking for a lot of men [and women] who have an infinite capacity to not know what can’t be done.” As we celebrate Hospital Week, thanks to each of you for your leadership, and all you do for this organization.


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