Last month I read an article on skill development and job retention. The link from Zenger Folkman is available below.
The content providers at Zenger Folkman consistently offer thought provoking material. This article states;
“Employees (who demonstrate) unwavering
determination to achieve timely, high-quality results earn their managers’
respect. Those who find ways to deliver despite challenges distinguish
themselves from peers who accept defeat when facing obstacles.”
Unwavering Determination of Tennis Pro Vicky
Mboko
I thought about the attribute of “unwavering
determination” as I watched the Canadian Open tennis tournament (currently
branded as the National Bank Open) during August 2025. I attended a couple of
days in-person and watched some of the coverage on television. 18-year-old Canadian Vicky Mboko made a huge statement,
defeating world #2 Coco Gauff to proceed into the final rounds, and then ultimately
winning the tournament by defeating 4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
Vicky Mboko Hates To Lose
Throughout the coverage TV commentators said that from
a young age Mboko hated to lose. That’s a helpful attribute for a tennis pro,
although it does need a modicum of management in a team environment. Tennis is
generally a one-on-one game, but there are many team competitions including
doubles competitions.
Even the best tennis pros lose lots of games, but as a
fan, I appreciate those who try to find a way to win regardless, within the
confines of the rules of course. Over his entire career retired professional
Roger Federer won 80% of his matches, but only 52% of the points recorded during
those matches. When the opportunity to
win was there, he found a way to win.
Watch this point that Mboko saved when Osaka
nonchalantly made a shot she thought was an easy winner. (The link should take you to the 18:39 location
in the highlights)
https://youtu.be/i5CjWe2pfBo?si=bKTOE2sBIT8hPCTZ&t=1119
Can You Train Someone To Hate Losing?
In the sports world it seems some players seem just fine
with losing. Some try their best, but
things don’t work out.
As a team leader, can we train people to hate losing? When leaders recognize and reward helpful behaviors
then those behaviors will be copied and repeated by team members. I think of
this as training someone to win, which is different than training someone to
hate to lose.
Here’s one point of view on the topic https://transformativesalessystems.com/blogs/love-to-win-vs-hate-to-lose-unveiling-the-mindset-dichotomy/
Competitions For Teams
There are some competitions where everyone can win,
that is, by achieving a minimum level of performance. I have a lot of respect for these sorts of
competitions and participants who help others achieve.
In most sports competitions, achievement is ranked
with one winner on top of the heap. In business and other team environments,
contributors who “demonstrate unwavering determination to achieve timely, high-quality results”
are exceptionally valuable to their teams.
Demonstrating Unwavering Determination
It is critical to team performance, that all members
understand team goals, whether assigned or self-selected. Team leaders must
regularly communicate team targets, progress, and behaviors that will enable
the team to “win.”
Here is a previous post on the topic
https://gycz.blogspot.com/2023/08/how-to-focus-your-distracted-team.html
Is “Hating To Lose” A Bad Attribute?
Hating to lose could be seen as a negative
attribute. When managed effectively and
behavior directed towards team success, it’s an incredibly positive attribute.
