15 May 2007 
 
The secrets of sporting success - and how that can translate in business - were revealed at the Institute of Chartered Accountants’ Business Forum in Sydney today. Former Olympian Jane Flemming was in inspired form on the podium, sharing ideas and suggestions on how to realise goals in a competitive environment. 
 
Flemming comes from a sport that is at the pinnacle of competitiveness. She explained how to carry her approach to athletics into the business world: 
 
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD 
According to Flemming, one of the key drivers of success is to foster a constructive environment from the outset. Only then can opportunities be realised. Flemming recounted her time at the Australian Institute of Sport and how this presented her with the opportunity to inspire and develop her sporting talents: “In this environment, everyone understood their role: the physio, the coach, the nutritionist and the athlete. And likewise in business, it is vital that colleagues and clients understand one another.” 
 
GOALPOSTS 
Another vital ingredient is to set clear, defined goals from the outset, and get commitment on these from all who will be involved in reaching them: “The Australian women’s hockey team, who were undefeated in two Olympiads, sat down and agreed ten rules on how to behave with one another. To reap rewards in sport or business, it’s crucial to set group goals, with specific measures and timescales. They must stretch you to achieve them, but they must be realistic as well.” 
 
CRUNCH TIME 
Good decision making and execution is also crucial. Sport forces people to make decisions: “A soccer player stepping up for a penalty shootout does not have the chance to deliberate for days before taking their kick. And in business too, you have to deal with some situations as they arise. Setting clear boundaries of responsibility will make it easier for people to act decisively.” 
 
TIME FOR ACTION 
Athletes will do whatever it takes to get the job done - but only when the time is right: “So in business, you don’t have to be there from seven in the morning until seven at night. It’s how you use the time when you are at work that makes the difference. And that is particularly important when the unexpected happens. Some circumstances are uncontrollable, and getting stressed about them won’t help. The only thing you can control is how you deal with them.” 
 
BE COOL 
And finally, Flemming says staying calm is important: “I think back to sport and the most successful people make it look so easy. You get a better result when you are relaxed. Look at photographs of sportspeople like Tiger Woods or Cathy Freeman, you can see how calm they are. Finding ways to relax will hold you in good stead in business too.”