5 tips leaders can apply from the success of David Brailsford, Performance Director of British Cycling.

Late in the evening of Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympics, BBC tv’s Gary Lineker interviewed David Brailsford, Performance Director of British Cycling. Under his guidance he has led the British cycling team to numerous outstanding achievements at three successive Olympic Games – Athens, Beijing and now London 2012.

While Brailsford didn’t talk about his underlying strategy for this enduring success – the ‘aggregation of marginal gains’ (inept questioning by Mr Lineker?) he did touch on his philosophy that the backroom team and coaches are there to support the athletes ‘to be the very best they can be so that they perform when it matters.’

So what does that support and the philosophy of marginal gains look like exactly?

What we do know is that he and his backroom team of more than 20 will examine every single detail right down to the pillows used by cyclists to sleep on and how they wash their hands. His appointment of Dr Steve Peters – described by Brailsford as ‘the best appointment I’ve ever made’ – has helped riders control the fears, anxieties and negative thoughts and that has been key. Our most successful cyclists such as Victoria Pendleton acknowledge his contribution too: ‘I don’t think I would have realised my potential without Steve.’

So whilst much of the philosophy and support is clearly shrouded in secrecy, there has been enough disclosure to help us apply lessons in our world. Here are 5 tips to help you take you/your team’s performance to the next level:

• Have you identified what success/the next level looks like for you/your team?

• How often do you sit with your team and review how you’re performing together – examining what’s working/not working? Too often I hear about leaders focussing on what is being done as opposed to how it’s being done.

• Have you identified with your team what the marginal gains are for the way you perform together?

• How often do you solicit feedback about your performance from your team – what’s working/not working about how you perform?

• Do you see your role as leader to direct or to support your team? What proportion do you use your ears to your mouth – are you asking/listening or focussing too much on telling?

If it’s working for team GB’s cycling team, what could it do for you to identify the marginal gains for you and your team?

What’s your experience? What do you think? Post a reply. It will be great to hear from you.

Gary Lineker’s interview with David Brailsford can be found on the BBC iPlayer. Search in the Sport category for Day 12 of the Olympic Games. It’s in the evening clip – 19:00 to 22:00 at about 2 hours 50 mins in.