Why Simone Biles’s Withdrawal is an Effective Form of Leadership

{ Emily O’Connell } Feature image from Wikipedia

Simone Biles’s decision to pull out of the team finals shocked the world!  I was watching with my dad and we were both so frustrated that she left. 

After more thought though, I realized that her decision shows us what it means to be a human. 

It shows us that she’s a great leader.

It’s difficult to set the lesson because, at that moment, she probably felt super disappointed too.  All eyes were on her and she didn’t want to let the team down.  If you’re a fan like I am, you wanted to watch the U.S. win gold medals, and you didn’t get to see that happen.

To Biles, though, those expectations played a role.  She no longer felt like she was doing it for herself.  Mental stress is totally real and carries itself in a very physical way if not treated properly.  You shakeup.  You can’t perform under pressure.  It was a mature decision on her end – even if it left the team hanging.  

In reflecting on my own life, I know there are days when I seriously overwork myself to my own detriment.  I’ll do five calls in the morning, schedule an afternoon workout, then schedule more calls in the PM, only stopping for coffee and water and skipping lunch.  This is completely unhealthy.   I know I’m not giving my best effort by 3 pm.   It’s like I’m leading without any margin – making decisions simply because I don’t have the bandwidth to make better ones or I’m on the verge of burnout.  The only thing I’m doing is hiding it better.

By examining the behavior of Simone Biles I am reassured that it’s O.K. to be human.  You can’t always go 100 percent.  It’s better, to be honest, and vulnerable than to be perfect.  

I’m learning, as an important role of leadership, too – Simone Biles led her team to victory by giving them the tools to succeed despite her stepping aside.  We’re lucky to have seen her compete, even if this is her last!