Before you describe somebody as a dumb jock or silly cheerleader, bite your tongue; sporting prowess has long been linked with success in business.

Personal skills you learn in sport

A natural flare won’t hurt, but to be true success at anything, lots of hard work, practice, and hours are put in. Having the self-control to push yourself, and stick to tasks, helps people apply themselves in business.

Also, taking part in a competitive sport can make you resilient to knock backs and determined to succeed. Rather than simply accepting defeat, if you take part in sports, you are more able to bounce back. 

The business industry is renowned for being cutthroat and fiercely competitive.

Benefits of playing a team sport

It’s not all about beating down the competition and succeeding independently, it’s about learning to be patient with and co-operate with others.

The question of confidence

Confidence and self-belief can go a long way in business, particularly when you’re in a role that involves convincing others that you and your ideas are credible. Sporting success makes you feel good about yourself and your abilities.

However, as Indra Nooyi , cricket player and chief executive of Pepsi argues, a sporting failure can lead to a loss of personal confidence.

Is the link overstated?

Of course, while there are some great skills to be learned from playing sports, important business skills can only come from experience in business.

For instance, for many roles in business, strong analytical skills and an aptitude for numbers are needed.

Champions aren't made in gyms

Though the link is there, remember, it is a correlation, nothing more. It could be argued that the types of people attracted to sports are also drawn to the business world.

Rather than sports improving business acumen, it could be that people who succeed in sports also succeed in business due to their personality.

As Muhammad Ali said, "Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, a vision."

Whatever the reason, playing sports can’t hurt…well….rugby and a few other rough games aside.

Is watching enough?

Being involved in sports is a good way to network with people who have a similar interest. Even if you don’t play competitive sports, being a spectator of games is also a great way of meeting new people and building contacts.

This article comes from Tirebuck Recruitment. View their website for more business advice.