The 2025 Nordic World Ski Championships are happening right now in Trondheim, and we’re all fascinated by the athletes gliding effortlessly across the snow. But here’s a question: How much do elite skiers train compared to how much they compete?

An elite skier’s reality:

• Training: 98 – 99 % of the time
• Competition: 1 – 2 % of the time

A professional skier trains 700–900 hours per year, all in preparation for that one moment when the race begins. Nothing is left to chance. Technique is refined, endurance is built, and every second of preparation counts.

Now, let’s switch out the skier for a leader or manager. How does the balance between training and “competing” look in that world?

A leader’s reality:

• Daily leadership (“competition”): 99 % of the time
• Leadership training (“preparation”): 1 % of the time… if even that

Does that sound smart? Would a skier show up at the World Championships without training? Never. But in business, this happens all the time. Leaders are thrown into their roles and expected to perform – without systematic leadership training.

So, what can we learn from elite skiers?

• They train consistently and with purpose – not just when there’s a crisis.
• They analyze and refine their technique – they don’t just rely on instinct.
• They seek coaching and feedback – because improvement is a continuous process.

What if leadership was trained as systematically as elite sports?
Regular leadership training sessions, structured feedback, and strategic preparation – instead of just “winging it and hoping for the best.”

So next time you hear someone say they “don’t have time to develop as a leader right now,” consider this:

• Would a skier say, “I don’t have time to train – I need to get to the starting line and race!”?
• Would a musician skip hours and hours of practice and go straight to the concert stage?

Your team deserves a leader who actively trains for leadership – not just someone trying to get by on routine.

So, let me ask you, Leader:

• How much time do you spend training your leadership skills?
• And what would happen if you trained a little more?

And to you, Executive:

• How much do you invest in developing your leadership?
• Who dares to challenge you?
• How much does your organization invest (time & money) in ensuring its leaders have the right tools and conditions for success?
• How much time, energy, and money is lost due to poor leadership?

But what does “training” leadership actually mean?

Think of a skier preparing for the World Championships. They don’t just “go skiing” – they refine every single element of their performance:

• Technical training → Clear communication – Can you give feedback without killing motivation?
• Interval sessions → Difficult conversations & decision-making – When was the last time you practiced handling tough situations?
• Lactic acid sessions → Pushing your own thinking and “truths” to the limit – Are you ready to challenge yourself and grow?
• Mental preparation → Self-reflection & self-awareness – How often do you evaluate your own leadership?
• Coaching from trainers → Leadership development – Do you have a sparring partner who challenges you to improve?

Leadership is a skill – and skills can and must be trained.

If you’re leading only on routine, it’s like showing up at the World Championships without having trained for a year.

If you don’t train your leadership – who pays the price? Your team? Your organization? Or maybe you?

“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
~ Vidal Sassoon

It’s Time to Take Your Leadership to the Next Level!

For over 25 years, we have worked in various leadership roles – CEO, HR Director, Product Manager, Board Chair & Members– and we know what it means to stand at the forefront, whether in a tailwind or a snowstorm.

We have also coached leaders and elite athletes who want to develop, challenge themselves, and move from simply “surviving” to actually leading.

Do you want to be a leader who aims for the Leadership Olympics and World Championships – or just someone coasting along on the corporate ski trail?

Now is the time to start training for real.

We coach managers and executives who want to become sharper, stronger, and more confident – whether it’s in communication, strategy, difficult conversations, or building a team that truly performs.

Get in touch – and let’s design your personal leadership training program.

Leadership – just like elite sports – is not a quick fix. The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now.

Let’s go for your success – together!

“It’s not the will to win that matters – everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.”
~ Paul “Bear” Bryant