In Leadership, the Race Goes to the Persistent

Over twenty years ago, while completing my MBA, I learned an enduring lesson about persistence from an unexpected place.

The program’s demanding coursework forced me to cut back on discretionary activities, including my regular exercise routine. Before long, my physical conditioning suffered. Feeling the effects, I decided to get back in shape by running in the mornings.

I had always been physically active, but I had never attempted long-distance running. How hard could it be? I thought. I’ve always been in good shape—this won’t be that difficult. I couldn’t have been more wrong!

On the first morning, I set off at a brisk pace, planning to run a “reasonable” two or three miles. I didn’t even make it half a mile before my body gave out. My lungs burned, my legs protested, and my confidence took a hit.

It was immediately clear that I lacked the conditioning to meet my expectations. If I wanted to improve, I would need to slow down, reset my goals, and build endurance gradually—one run at a time.

So I did.

I committed to consistency over intensity. I adjusted my pace, increased my distance incrementally, and stayed persistent. After a year of running, I entered my first 5K—and placed first in my age category. Since then, I’ve completed multiple half-marathons and marathons.

I’m still not a world-class runner. But I am far better than when I started.

Leadership development works the same way.

What initially feels uncomfortable—difficult conversations, empathy under pressure, balancing warmth with competence—becomes easier with consistent effort. The best leaders don’t arrive fully formed. They build capability over time through daily practice.

Best Bosses don’t emerge overnight. They develop the discipline to prioritize people amid the relentless grind of results. They learn to meet employees where they are while helping them grow into who they can become. And they refine their judgment, presence, warmth, and competence—interaction by interaction.

Leadership, like endurance running, is a long race.

And the race always goes to the persistent.