Ex-General Urges Leaders to Train Like Elite Athletes for Success

Boris Nannt, chairman of the Academy of German Cooperatives and a retired brigadier general, has urged business leaders to adopt training methods used by elite athletes. He argues that many executives rely too much on experience and intuition rather than structured preparation and review. Without these, leadership effectiveness suffers.

Nannt highlights that top athletes follow a clear cycle of preparation, execution, and review. Yet in leadership, most time is spent on execution, with little focus on the other two stages. He warns that leaders who neglect preparation and review risk becoming ineffective, much like amateur athletes who only show up occasionally.

To improve, Nannt suggests using a simple colour-coded system in calendars. One colour would mark time for preparation, another for execution, and a third for review. This approach ensures leaders allocate time to all three critical stages rather than just reacting to immediate demands. He also stresses that leadership is not about doing everything alone but guiding others effectively. Regular training—even when not under pressure—helps leaders refine their skills. Without it, they may struggle to provide direction, drive results, or take full responsibility for their teams.

Nannt's method encourages leaders to move beyond intuition and experience. By structuring their time like elite athletes, they can improve decision-making and team performance. The goal is to make preparation and review as routine as execution itself.