By now, you have most likely seen the studies proclaiming the popularity of running among executives at companies of all sizes. However, is the relationship between running merely a correlation or causation? Are successful individuals in the workplace more inclined to seek high personal fitness levels or is there really something to running that helps people excel in the workplace?
The evidence points to the latter and that running might actually improve brain function and help develop crucial skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
Mike Goldsby, professor of management, at Ball State examined this question when he surveyed over 300 executives at companies across Indiana and neighboring states. The results? The companies headed by CEO runners were more successful in terms of sales than companies headed by non-runners. One of the most interesting findings in the study came in the note section where many respondents noted their personal performance and that of their company's increased after they took up running.
What has the medical community found?
MensHealth answered this question in an article called "How Running Improves Brain Power" (based on the title, it's pretty obvious what they found). The article looked at medical research studies performed by Purdue University and University of Illinois. In both research studies, they found a strong, positive relationship between increased brain function in men and women of all ages following running. In fact, the Purdue study found an increase of 16-60% in brain function among women following exercise. The Illinois study showed that aerobic exercise helped their study participants concentrate better and recall information faster. One of the interesting pieces of the article was when Ted Kennedy, president of CEO Challenge, a Colorado-based company that puts on running challenges for CEO's, said that "most of the men who compete in this event say that without aerobic exercise, they wouldn't be CEO's.
Is there possibly something else about running that might make people perform better in the workplace?
Perhaps. In the book Executive Toughness, Dr. Jason Selk lays out the argument that in order to reach the highest of plateaus in any given field you must have excellent mental toughness. Throughout the book he discusses 6 keys to developing a mental toughness that, in his research, produces winning results in the workplace. For anyone who has a run before, a quick look at these 6 skills and they will immediately recognize them as standard skills developed while training for a big race:
The evidence shows that running helps might both help brain function and provide the skill development to be successful in the workplace.
Article from TrailRunning.us
The evidence points to the latter and that running might actually improve brain function and help develop crucial skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
Mike Goldsby, professor of management, at Ball State examined this question when he surveyed over 300 executives at companies across Indiana and neighboring states. The results? The companies headed by CEO runners were more successful in terms of sales than companies headed by non-runners. One of the most interesting findings in the study came in the note section where many respondents noted their personal performance and that of their company's increased after they took up running.
What has the medical community found?
MensHealth answered this question in an article called "How Running Improves Brain Power" (based on the title, it's pretty obvious what they found). The article looked at medical research studies performed by Purdue University and University of Illinois. In both research studies, they found a strong, positive relationship between increased brain function in men and women of all ages following running. In fact, the Purdue study found an increase of 16-60% in brain function among women following exercise. The Illinois study showed that aerobic exercise helped their study participants concentrate better and recall information faster. One of the interesting pieces of the article was when Ted Kennedy, president of CEO Challenge, a Colorado-based company that puts on running challenges for CEO's, said that "most of the men who compete in this event say that without aerobic exercise, they wouldn't be CEO's.
Is there possibly something else about running that might make people perform better in the workplace?
Perhaps. In the book Executive Toughness, Dr. Jason Selk lays out the argument that in order to reach the highest of plateaus in any given field you must have excellent mental toughness. Throughout the book he discusses 6 keys to developing a mental toughness that, in his research, produces winning results in the workplace. For anyone who has a run before, a quick look at these 6 skills and they will immediately recognize them as standard skills developed while training for a big race:
- Defining your win: Only one female and one male out of sometimes nearly 40,000 of us who enter a marathon will technically "win" the race. Yet, it would be pretty safe to say that the majority of the people who cross the finish line view it as "win"
- Taking Responsibility: Understanding your time is ultimately the byproduct of your work and level of dedication.
- Focusing on your priority: Tapering off when needed or completing a grueling speed workout just days before a 5k race all because you have your priorities set for performing well in a bigger race that's months out.
- Controlling emotions: The ability to trust your training and remain relaxed and confident in your pace and abilities to execute in our ultimate goal if you stick with the plan. Plus, we all know running seasons can be a roller coaster of emotions.
- Communicating effectively: Communicating with your coach, trainers/doctors, running partners and most importantly yourself are all critical skills developed through running.
- Staying positive: This one is self-explanatory for anyone that has been running for any length of time.
The evidence shows that running helps might both help brain function and provide the skill development to be successful in the workplace.
Article from TrailRunning.us
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