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The Summer Olympics hold a special place in my heart. While I appreciate the Winter Games, I am biased against snow and overall cold weather. It’s not that I lack respect for the physical talent it takes to become phenomenal at curling, I just prefer a good fencing match or canoe slalom race.
This year’s Olympics are predictably full of reminders of the power of human resilience and the joy of live, in-person competitions (with a packed house), quite possibly the only thing most of this planet has been able to agree upon over the past 4-1/2 years.
The Olympics blend patriotism, some politics and tons of raw emotion into a fortnight of unforgettable moments. For athletes, it’s the culmination of a lifetime’s work, often distilled into mere seconds of performance. Take U.S. gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, whose 40-second routine on the pommel horse not only secured his team’s spot on the medal podium but also catapulted him to internet fame (What could be better?).
Stephen’s story piqued my interest. As a specialist in one apparatus, he had a singular focus—and he killed it when it was his time to shine. His authenticity, coupled with some character (wearing eyeglasses instead of contacts, appearing to nap in the arena amid the chaos, demonstrating the ability to solve a Rubik’s cube in under 20 seconds—check the internet), are some of the other reasons we have fallen for this guy.
In an era that often celebrates versatility, Stephen’s success highlights the value of mastering one skill. This principle extends beyond sports into business and other fields. While “jacks of all trades” have their place, an “ace” will always beat a jack. In a world of endless choices, he committed to being an ace in one aspect of one sport out of 32 available.
The success of the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics team, earning its first medal in 16 years, validates the strategy of building a team of specialists. It’s a reminder for managers in all fields about the importance of clear role assignments and allowing individuals to focus on their strengths. You could take it a step further and emphasize the importance of an individual’s worrying only about their job, not about how anyone else is doing another job.
Stephen’s journey from a specialist in an often-overlooked apparatus to an Olympic medalist and instant celebrity sensation is inspiring. I am not trying to overstate the importance of this moment. There are plenty of problems in the world that would be better addressed with some solid Instagram cat videos, of course. However, Stephen has reminded us there’s no such thing as an insignificant role when performed with excellence. He is clearly good at other things (see Rubik’s cube reference above), but hopefully you understand my point here.
My belief is that even those of us who can apply Olympic-level focus and specialization to our own lives and careers are unlikely to be rewarded with a medal, internet fame, a career as a motivational speaker, or a spot on a revival of either TV’s “Celebrity Apprentice” or “Dancing with the Stars.” Some of us will tune in and say, “I remember when that guy did that thing with the pommel horse at the Olympics.” Hopefully, we will phrase it differently.
Congratulations to Stephen Nedoroscik and the entire U.S. Men’s Gymnastics team. Your success serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of owning our roles and excelling in our “one thing,” even if it is nowhere near the Olympics. USA!•
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Rateike is founder and owner of BAR Communications and served as director of cabinet communications for President Donald Trump. Send comments to ibjedit@ibj.com.
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