Case Study 3

Michael Phelps: Strategizing for Gold (Mini Case Analysis)

INTRODUCTION

Michael Phelps, a worldwide-known swimmer and the most successful Olympian of all time had
been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during his youth. But this does
not halt him to succeed and set a world record of winning 8 gold medals in a single Olympics. Many think
that his physique was his greatest asset which led him to achieve such record, however, Phelps proved
that it is not just physical attributes that he possesses but also a great strategy in achieving those gold
medals at once.

BACKGROUND

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that can cause above-
normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD may also have trouble
focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time. The doctor of Phelps
prescribed swimming because swimming makes an excellent in the excessive energy of people suffering
from this disorder.

At the age of 15, despite his condition, Phelps started to set records through being recognized as
the youngest male swimmer to ever set world record. At 2016, he retired with 28 Olympic medals and
this cannot be true with just Phelps’s skills. Many people believe that MP’s success can be explained
with his unique physical endowments, however, there are still other swimmers that has better physique
than him but is not able to bring home 8 gold medals in one tournament. Consequently, it is not just
physical attributes but it is about the people that believed his skills and strategize with him on how to
successfully bring home a gold medal.

Peter Carlisle, his manager and Bob Bowman, his long-time swim coach are the person behind
the “strategizing for gold” during one event in Beijing where they set only one goal and does all the
trainings and other necessary actions to achieve this sole vision. The explicit goal was to win nothing less
than gold medal in each of the event where MP will join. This strategy had obviously succeeded and
Phelps had set history in the field of sports.
EVALUATION

This strategy of achieving the gold medal was surprisingly successful and really reflect the
strategies of different segments of the society. For instance, the companies that aims for profit can set this
as their sole mission and align their strategies towards the accomplishment of this goal. Also, this strategy
can also be adopted towards achieving the dreams of the individual, people just need to set the best
standards that you can think of and do the best you can to reach those established ideals.

Strategies are known to be roadmaps towards the accomplishment of mission, and for a firm to
successfully achieve the implemented goals, strategies need to be precise, achievable and inclined with
business’s goals. Michael Phelps’s story also reflected the business industry where not all companies that
possess the resources and capabilities reign over the market but those that implemented successful
strategies.

Generally, this case has three strong points that can help in establishment of goals. First, it is
important to look at the possible opportunities despite the difficulties; weaknesses should not hinder the
attainment of missions but must be ground for improvement. Second, for companies, competent
management is a necessity; decision makers that have the ability to formulate competitive strategies is a
must in order to lead the companies to their mission. And lastly, physical resources and capabilities of
workforce are important in the business but a well-planned operation are more valuable, capitals would
go to waste without proper implementations of strategies.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Just like the story of Michael Phelps, everyone should strategize in order to achieve a specific
goal whether you are just an ordinary person or a major company.
2. Set the highest achievable standards, just like the strategy of Phelps where he aims only for gold
medal. In that case, failure to achieve it would most likely give silver of bronze medal, which can
still be considered an achievement.
3. Be aware of the opportunities and work on your weaknesses.
4. Have the capabilities, strategies and resources all at the same time, these are Michael’s greatest
assets, he has all these which made him known worldwide.
5. Failure should never be an option. A person or firm should always know how to cope up with
adversities.
REFERENCES

Everything You Need to Know About ADHD reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph.D., CRNP-  Written by
Traci Angel 

Michael Phelps Biography by Biography.com Editors