What Startups Can Learn From (Good) Figure-Skaters

There are many things to be learned from elite athletes.

Most of the time we concentrate on the methods and achievements of great footballers, top-notch runners and the world-class basketball players.

But figure-skaters have many lessons to share as well.

And some of these lessons apply especially well to the challenges of tech startups.

It takes two to tango - literally

The sport of figure skating involves two participants. There is a reason for this.

The strength of the male skater enables the beauty of the female skater. With his support, her skills would not be possible.

When it comes to tech products, there is a strong dichotomy as well. Backend power needs to support the smooth customer experience of a beautiful front end.

It truly does "take two to tango."

More than one startup has failed because one (or even both) element has been lacking.

Without a powerful backend system, the full functionality of a tech product is hard to implement. No one wants a pretty interface that does not do anything.

On the other hand, the most powerful backend system will always fail without a clean user interface.

The grace and beauty of products like Superhuman, Mem and Instagram would not be possible without the core tech that powers them. And without the smooth user experience that is built on top of this, no customer will ever be tempted to try them out.


Smooth is cool

When figure-skaters take to the rink to perform their routines, their practice and skills are on full display.

In front of a global audience and under the watchful eye of the Olympic judges, their every move is scrutinized. When some part of their show is not well-enough prepared, it will be immediately apparent.

The same goes for tech products and services. The smoothness of user experience is all too clear - and almost immediately - as soon as a customer begins to use the product.

If a particular element has not be well thought through, or if a singular element of the routine has not been practiced enough, it will immediately become clear.

Mobile apps, tech services and everything else in between relies on a smooth customer experience.

Without it, the judges (read: clients) will doubtless downgrade it into oblivion.


Bursts of brilliance are hard to build

When figure-skaters take to the ice, their plans are perfect,

Part of those briliant routines involve stunning moves that seem to defy the set laws of physics. However - each and every one of them is perfectly set up.

A closer analysis of the figure-skating show reveals that in the moments leading up to an amazing jump or a beautiful pirouette, the skaters take a long "run-up" - they gather speed and build momentum in order to accomplish the seemingly impossible.

The laws of physics also apply to tech startups. The most amazing features do not appear out of nowhere. They take constant development, They require careful thought. They often rely on a great amount of customer feedback in order to ultimately find product-market fit.

The power of momentum and "set-up" are not to be underestimated.

Flexibilty is key

How in the world can two persons move in such brilliant harmony?

Their performances almost defy logic.

But a large part of their success is dependant on one singular aspect: flexibility.

No skater could execute the jumps, the moves, the graceful moves with an abundance of flexibility. This is not something that comes out of nowhere.

It must be trained, it must be developed and it must be cultivated.

With flexibility, the most beautiful figure-skating routine will fail - every single time.

To achieve ultimate success, startup founders need to develop the same abilities. Flexibility in the face of changing market conditions and advancing technology is essential. No startup founder has ever gone from A to Z in his or her strategic plan without at least some small alteration.

In the end, it is flexibility that enables the most beautiful of successes.