How to build strong leaders

Success in the workplace, much like in sports, relies on a strong foundation of physical and mental resilience. While parallels between athletes and business leaders often highlight resilience, success in the workplace demands a different kind of endurance.

It’s not a sprint but a continuous effort to build habits that sustain performance over time. Leadership, both physically and mentally, is about being your best self to support and empower your team. By maintaining and fostering resilience, leaders can navigate ongoing challenges, inspire others, and lead with strength and clarity.

While sport offers powerful examples, leadership isn’t about how much someone can bench press – it’s about discipline and a mindset that prioritises health in all forms. Whether it’s a morning run, yoga session, or mindful breathing exercises, taking time to focus on physical and mental well-being is essential for thriving at work.

• Companies that offer a wide range of well-being programs see 11% higher retention rates. This supports the idea that leadership and well-being should cater to diverse individual needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach. (Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends Report)

• Executives who exercise regularly are rated as having better leadership abilities. The study found that physically active leaders are perceived to be more effective in handling work-life balance, stress, and overall leadership challenges. (A study by the Center for Creative Leadership)

Read our report; Building strong leaders with physical and mental resilience

Success in the workplace, much like in sports, needs a strong foundation of physical and mental resilience – especially in leadership. Presented by Salt and Roar Fitness, our expert insight series delivers ideas and advice from leaders, athletes and professionals.

Our document introduces you to expert insights and interviews from around the world discussing how they factor in physical and mental well-being and how this is needed when leading a team

Physical health and workplace performance

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular physical activity can improve work performance by 15%. Employees who engage in physical activity report feeling more focused, energised, and capable of managing workplace stress.

Physical activity not only enhances physical health but also sharpens mental acuity, which is crucial for sustained productivity in leadership roles. The benefits of this extend to their teams, as leaders who maintain a healthy lifestyle and set a positive example, can lead to increased morale, reduced absenteeism, and higher overall productivity.

Mental health and leadership

A study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that employees who manage stress through mindfulness or physical activity have a 31% higher productivity rate. This shows the link between mental well-being and effective leadership.

Leading throughout your career journey

When you or your team progress through their career, the distinction between being a manager and a leader becomes increasingly significant. Leadership is a skill that develops over time and is built on consistent practices that prioritise both physical and mental well-being. Leadership isn’t about simply managing resources – it’s about creating a thriving, positive environment where teams can grow, collaborate, and achieve together.