by Kevin Mee, Director of Delivery at the National Composites Centre
At the National Composites Centre, Kevin leads the development of new materials and technologies that will underpin our future industries, such as hydrogen-powered flight and offshore floating wind turbines.
We're living in a time of unprecedented technological innovation. Developments which might have taken years a decade ago are now happening in mere months. I see this first-hand in my role at one of the UK’s leading innovation centres.
We already have an unfathomable amount of data at our fingertips and all the tools conceivable for communicating with one another. And yet, technology will continue to get smarter and more affordable.
While the pace of change is exponential, it's important to remember that the core principles of effective leadership remain unchanged. In fact, in a time where technology can be overwhelming, the distinctly human qualities of good leaders are more vital than ever.
Build the right team
As an athlete, it didn't take long for me to realise that success wasn't just about my individual performance. It was about the team I built around me. Early in my career, I could make small changes and see big results. However, as I grew older, those results only came when I made bigger changes and surrounded myself with the right people.
Being a professional athlete means being your own CEO. I built a team that included coaches, physiotherapists, sports scientists, and other professionals who were the best in their fields. I trusted them to make decisions and bring their expertise to the table, which created an environment of mutual respect. When team members feel empowered and valued, they are more likely to go above and beyond.
Surround yourself with capable individuals who share your philosophy and vision, and trust them to take ownership of their areas of expertise. That way, you can focus on the bigger picture.
Embrace honesty and vulnerability
We're all human, and no leader can do it all. Leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about being honest about your limitations and challenges. If there's something I'm not great at, I'm open about it. That honesty allows someone else on my team to step up and fill the gap.
In my career, I found that being open and vulnerable not only made me a better leader but also created a culture where my team members felt comfortable stepping up. It's important to foster a culture where everyone can be open and honest about their strengths, and allow others to step up where they are strongest.
Being honest with myself and others is key to my leadership style. I would 100 percent advocate this approach, as it helps build stronger relationships and a more trusting environment. Plus, vulnerability humanises leaders, making us more approachable and relatable.
Put the team first
One of the biggest lessons I've learned came during my Olympic career. In Athens 2004, I found myself in a difficult situation. I'd been hospitalised with acute renal failure right before the games, and even though I pushed myself to recover and compete, I knew I wasn't 100%. I had to make a tough decision to step back from the relay team, knowing it was in the team's best interest. They went on to win gold, and while I didn't get a medal, I knew I'd made the right call.
That experience taught me that as a leader, you have to put the team before yourself. It's not about your ego or personal achievements—it's about what's best for the group. Effective leadership often involves making sacrifices for the greater good.
Prioritise the team’s needs, and you will create an environment where people feel supported and valued, and morale will be high. That doesn't mean neglecting the needs of the business or the school, but rather recognising that a cohesive and motivated team is better for success.
Learn from failure
It's important to learn from your successes and failures. Dropping the baton in Sydney in 2000 was a hard pill to swallow, but it forced us to address the issues that led to our disqualification. We had to be honest about what went wrong and learn from it. That's how we became better, and how I led the British relay team to success later on.
Failure has been one of my greatest teachers. The disqualification in the Sydney Olympics was a painful experience, but it taught me invaluable lessons that I carried forward in my career. I learned to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and to use those lessons to guide future decisions.
Encourage your team to view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. This approach builds resilience and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where everyone strives to do better each day.
Create a positive and supportive culture
A key to my success has been fostering a culture where team members felt comfortable discussing issues openly, supporting one another, and focusing on collective success. When people feel valued and supported, they are more likely to perform at their best.
One of my proudest achievements was transforming the culture at UK Athletics by promoting positivity, openness, and support. A positive culture is powerful—it can transform an organisation from the inside out by boosting morale, enhancing performance, and improving well-being.
In tough times, a "glass half full" mindset is important. Even when the odds are against you, believe in the possibility of success as this can inspire and motivate others to keep pushing forward. This positive mindset is contagious and will help lift spirits even during hard times.
Success is a team sport
These principles – building a strong team, embracing honesty and vulnerability, prioritising the team, learning from failures, and cultivating a positive culture – have been critical in my journey from track to leader. They're not just leadership theories but tested strategies that have delivered real results for me.
School leaders face unique challenges, but the core principles of effective leadership are the same across any profession. Success is rarely achieved alone. It's the result of collective effort, open communication, and a shared vision. Applying these lessons will help you to create environments where students, teachers, and staff can thrive.
This blog is based on an Olympic Mindset podcast from www.ompcoach.com.
