Are fit people more successful?

[prand]

I know a good handful of people who are doing very well at work (CEO/Director level) who also spend a lot of time running marathons, doing triathlons or at least keeping VERY fit.

Is there a corellation? Is it that if you throw yourself into sport, make yourself well known through though physical challenges, etc it contributes to you doing well at work? Are you recognised as someone "fit" to lead because of this?

Or is it the focus and discipline required to reach the higher levels of the management tree is easily transferred into a training regime that can also be fitted around work and family life?

My theory is somewhat scuppered in the fact that I also know several horribly unfit senior managers who clearly have made it to the top via expense acccount dinners and corporate hospitality. (I've watched a close friend go from 12 stone to 19 stone, to a heart bypass by age 45, in about 12 years, but does very,very well as an Account director).

But I think in today's corporate world, being physically fit, and sticking to a disciplined fitness regime is seen, not perhaps explicitly acknowledged, as part of the leadership toolkit, and often is aligned with company values.

Any thoughts?

[prand]

RemainAllHoof said:

Would have thought it's the general personality that would come across whether working or having fun that leads them to be a success.

It's like the A-grader at school who was also captain of the rugby team and head prefect who then went to Cambridge to get a 1st.

Yes - I agree it's not as simple as just doing one thing. I'm sure there are many sub-categories of behaviour patterns of individuals that make them successful.

Just in the way that there are successful fat cats as well as racing whippets.