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Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?- Olympic-winning strategies for everyday success
Ben Hunt-Davis won Olympic Gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 as part of the Men’s Rowing Eight. He and Executive Coach Harriet Beveridge have teamed up to show you how to use similar strategies to improve your own life. The pair have been road-testing these methods for 10 years, with clients from all walks of life; managers, leaders, call centre staff, sales reps, athletes and shop assistants; whatever your challenges, whatever your goals, there are ideas that will help everyone. Will It Make The Boat Go Faster? is divided into 11 chapters, each of which is split into 2 halves. Firstly, Ben provides a narrative, recounting an episode from the eight’s journey to Gold, and shows the team using the methods in action. Then comes the analysis, explaining why and how the crew did what they did. Simple and chatty, the book is a warts-and-all authentic account of a journey to success that will show you how you can succeed in whatever you want to do. It is aimed at readers interested in personal development and managers wanting to achieve corporate goals. It will appeal to sports enthusiasts, practitioners and coaches who will find the Olympic story compelling and learn plenty of techniques for improving their own game strategies.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2011
233 people are currently reading
1066 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 19, 2019
This was a fantastic book, it taught me so many things from learning to identify risks as the 1) ones I can afford to take, to the ones that are most important to me, 2) the risks that I can not afford to not take (I've had those risks a lot and think of them a lot). There is the concept of process driven approach, leave the result alone and to concentrate on the process. To control the controllables and how to bounce back from setbacks, some setbacks can be so devastating, so as to send us into a state of disbelief and into a dark abyss, thus sometimes we need to make excuses- so as to steer ourselves from the situation of no hope, we need people who believe in us, who would cheer us when the going gets tough, who will save us from harm and much more.
July 24, 2024
50% a straightforward account of the trials, failures and eccentricities of the men's eight that won in Sydney in 2000, 50% extrapolations from their approach into self-improvement and business. It's not as contrived as it sounds because the boat was very consciously reflecting and trying to grow throughout this period. However I was more flabbergasted by their focus and commitment than inspired to follow them personally.
March 28, 2023
A great book, each chapter in two parts: the Olympic journey and the concepts used to get there. Highly recommend if you want to work towards a goal
October 6, 2022
This book is definitely jampacked with ways to access useful mindsets, reflection abilities and assessing of your behaviour to see if it aligns with your overall want and drive out of life. The way that it’s worded was incredibly relatable and the structure was so organised and effective. At times, some parts made me feel uncomfortable and agitated but that is because it made me realise that I was reading something that was hitting home.
January 14, 2020
Not great for leadership inspiration
Very repetitive and none of the links work. I'm a sales manager and did not find it useful to lead my team. Perhaps for a sports team. My son was a tower so I figured I could relate but fell short.
Very repetitive and none of the links work. I'm a sales manager and did not find it useful to lead my team. Perhaps for a sports team. My son was a tower so I figured I could relate but fell short.
December 7, 2017
The author's online video (Ted talk?) I watched as part of my company's training summed up the message much more effectively. I think I got all I needed from that video.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2022
Another super interesting business book written by a former Olympic gold medal winning rower, Ben Hunt-Davis. The philosophy of the book it's based around the simple concept: in life, in business and in sport anything you bring to the table or to the “boat” in this case needs to add value, and bring energy to the whole team add essentially “make the boat go faster”. Ben has gone on to build on this fantastic book by creating a company with the same name as the book. Highly recommended (both book and company) and here are the best bits:
We can't help but have goals. Goals are just destinations and whatever we're doing with our lives right now, our actions are taking us somewhere.
For example has your workplace got the cultural environment where it's OK, the norm to get praise and recognition? To have honest conversations and challenge each other to make the boat go faster? Sunny: this is very similar to the brutiful conversations concept that I've co-created :)
One of the crews visual reminders was so powerful that it warrants a section in its own right. The crew used a wall in the boatshed to Blu-tack up evidence that they could win. They kept adding to it and adding to it. There were pictures, there were graphs and stats showing the force time curves achieved on the rowing machines, showing improvements. There were write ups of performance reviews, showing key learnings. Imagine the power of all that evidence? Imagine how that bolstered their belief? What would be the equivalent for you?
“when all is black: one more”. In other words if you are pushing yourself physically so hard that you are about to black out, surely you can take it just one more stroke. Sunny: what we call “ICEing it up”. This is based off the Iron Cowboy, James Lawrence.
In a team we can learn from others, copy the good habits and profit from their mistakes without having to go through the pain ourselves.
We tend to judge our commitment levels by our intentions and feelings, but we judge other peoples commitment levels by their behaviors.
Kate Richardson-Walsh GB hockey gold medalist and team captain calls this “stamping on the fires” early. Sunny: this is what I call BC level one or level two. Having those difficult conversations early to nip issues in the bud rather than let them grow into BC level 9 or 10 where the effect can be more disastrous.
In the aviation and medical industries junior staff are trained to voice their concerns in any forum because there are irrevocable consequences of flying with no fuel or amputating the wrong leg.
Do they talk in quick bullet points or in detail? Do they talk about needing a clear picture or being on the same wavelength? Sunny: this is exactly what the reason for “dream team” is all about. Understanding your audience and then adapting your style to them.
I now knew that sleep was crucial, I knew that eating properly was crucial and I knew that being able to talk problems through was crucial.
It was a bell curve shape which means your performance actually goes up to start with when you feel under a bit of pressure. After a certain point your performance plateaus. When even more pressure is piled on your performance plumets. In other words there is a “Goldilocks zone” with pressure: you don't want too much but you don't also want to have none at all. Have you ever messed up because you've been too blasé? Without a bit of adrenaline pumping you've had a lackluster today?
HRV, how the heart is resting between each beat column which is a key indicator of pressure. If your organization expects people to pull all-nighters, go to four different time zones in a week, and run marathons at the weekend, then cold hard data can show that worshipping “hero behaviors” is actually barking up the wrong tree. It is damaging performance not enhancing it.
Making “bounce back ability” into a habit is incredibly useful. Sunny: we call this “A to the P” or the mindset which differentiates “amateurs” and “professionals”. Amateurs tend to ruminate over the mistakes a great deal but professionals have the ability to bounce back and carry on as though they hardly made any mistakes. Personally I believe that's one of the huge mindset differences that enables individuals to play at a professional level. I don't think this is articulated or discussed enough.
Brian talked about Shun Fujimoto in the Olympic gymnastic final in Montreal in 1976. During his floor routine Shun fractured his kneecap. Japan and the Soviet Union were battling out for gold, so Shun carried on. He did the pommel horse and did a perfect dismount. He finished on the rings and again did a perfect dismount: from a high of eight feet. Not only that he achieved a personal best of 9.7 despite dislocating his knee on the dismount. Japan won gold and Fujimoto walked unaided to get his medal.
We can't help but have goals. Goals are just destinations and whatever we're doing with our lives right now, our actions are taking us somewhere.
For example has your workplace got the cultural environment where it's OK, the norm to get praise and recognition? To have honest conversations and challenge each other to make the boat go faster? Sunny: this is very similar to the brutiful conversations concept that I've co-created :)
One of the crews visual reminders was so powerful that it warrants a section in its own right. The crew used a wall in the boatshed to Blu-tack up evidence that they could win. They kept adding to it and adding to it. There were pictures, there were graphs and stats showing the force time curves achieved on the rowing machines, showing improvements. There were write ups of performance reviews, showing key learnings. Imagine the power of all that evidence? Imagine how that bolstered their belief? What would be the equivalent for you?
“when all is black: one more”. In other words if you are pushing yourself physically so hard that you are about to black out, surely you can take it just one more stroke. Sunny: what we call “ICEing it up”. This is based off the Iron Cowboy, James Lawrence.
In a team we can learn from others, copy the good habits and profit from their mistakes without having to go through the pain ourselves.
We tend to judge our commitment levels by our intentions and feelings, but we judge other peoples commitment levels by their behaviors.
Kate Richardson-Walsh GB hockey gold medalist and team captain calls this “stamping on the fires” early. Sunny: this is what I call BC level one or level two. Having those difficult conversations early to nip issues in the bud rather than let them grow into BC level 9 or 10 where the effect can be more disastrous.
In the aviation and medical industries junior staff are trained to voice their concerns in any forum because there are irrevocable consequences of flying with no fuel or amputating the wrong leg.
Do they talk in quick bullet points or in detail? Do they talk about needing a clear picture or being on the same wavelength? Sunny: this is exactly what the reason for “dream team” is all about. Understanding your audience and then adapting your style to them.
I now knew that sleep was crucial, I knew that eating properly was crucial and I knew that being able to talk problems through was crucial.
It was a bell curve shape which means your performance actually goes up to start with when you feel under a bit of pressure. After a certain point your performance plateaus. When even more pressure is piled on your performance plumets. In other words there is a “Goldilocks zone” with pressure: you don't want too much but you don't also want to have none at all. Have you ever messed up because you've been too blasé? Without a bit of adrenaline pumping you've had a lackluster today?
HRV, how the heart is resting between each beat column which is a key indicator of pressure. If your organization expects people to pull all-nighters, go to four different time zones in a week, and run marathons at the weekend, then cold hard data can show that worshipping “hero behaviors” is actually barking up the wrong tree. It is damaging performance not enhancing it.
Making “bounce back ability” into a habit is incredibly useful. Sunny: we call this “A to the P” or the mindset which differentiates “amateurs” and “professionals”. Amateurs tend to ruminate over the mistakes a great deal but professionals have the ability to bounce back and carry on as though they hardly made any mistakes. Personally I believe that's one of the huge mindset differences that enables individuals to play at a professional level. I don't think this is articulated or discussed enough.
Brian talked about Shun Fujimoto in the Olympic gymnastic final in Montreal in 1976. During his floor routine Shun fractured his kneecap. Japan and the Soviet Union were battling out for gold, so Shun carried on. He did the pommel horse and did a perfect dismount. He finished on the rings and again did a perfect dismount: from a high of eight feet. Not only that he achieved a personal best of 9.7 despite dislocating his knee on the dismount. Japan won gold and Fujimoto walked unaided to get his medal.
June 6, 2023
I love historical events like this.
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/gitana-43-sc...
https://numberoneboats.com/gitana-43-...
https://theboatyacht.com/23-contender...
https://numberoneboats.com/23-contend...
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/gitana-43-sc...
https://numberoneboats.com/gitana-43-...
https://theboatyacht.com/23-contender...
https://numberoneboats.com/23-contend...
August 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, but mostly for the story of Ben & co chasing down the gold medal. There are many useful takeaways from the book and overall I like how they structured the path to identifying what adds value and what doesn't. There's a slight over-use of some, at times, confusing/unexplained metaphors that didn't 100% make sense but it certainly left me with food for thought.
So overall - good read with some worthwhile practical take-aways, but it's not changed the way I'm going to work too much. The main thing that is going to stick with me is simply asking myself and those I work with - "will it make the boat go faster?"
So overall - good read with some worthwhile practical take-aways, but it's not changed the way I'm going to work too much. The main thing that is going to stick with me is simply asking myself and those I work with - "will it make the boat go faster?"
March 24, 2024
A very good self/sporting/business improvement book with super simple messaging and accompanied by a great story of Olympic success and the path to getting there. There are no real 'new' strategies but what the book does do is distil key improvement techniques into manageable chunks and show how they all work together to help answer the question 'will it make the boat go faster?'.
I would recommend and will use many of the techniques, especially the overarching message of the book which is about having a goal and ensuring every decision you take helps you to achieve that plan - simple but effective.
I would recommend and will use many of the techniques, especially the overarching message of the book which is about having a goal and ensuring every decision you take helps you to achieve that plan - simple but effective.
August 15, 2020
Amazing book, such a fabulous story that was enthralling to read, with easily transferable techniques and strategies that can be used in business or indeed in the pursuit of any goal.
I loved that I felt no need to try and translate the boating analogies into something that references my own industry, they work just as they are because they are so simple and conjure up such visual and emotional responses.
Highly recommended, even if you aren’t a sport fan. It’s not about sport, but it is about what we can learn from these crazy dedicated people. And we can learn so much.
I loved that I felt no need to try and translate the boating analogies into something that references my own industry, they work just as they are because they are so simple and conjure up such visual and emotional responses.
Highly recommended, even if you aren’t a sport fan. It’s not about sport, but it is about what we can learn from these crazy dedicated people. And we can learn so much.
January 1, 2023
The title covers most of the advice here. Weigh it all - will whatever you’re doing make the “boat go faster” - insert your own meaning to the metaphor.
Breaking it down from there, you have somewhat relevant stories from the author while training to be a good winning Olympic rower. Not much is explained about rowing though. You’ll want to read up on that separately if you have never paid attention to rowing. I haven’t.
You also have basic advice from other business and self-improvement books.
Note: It’s written in extremely British jargon.
Breaking it down from there, you have somewhat relevant stories from the author while training to be a good winning Olympic rower. Not much is explained about rowing though. You’ll want to read up on that separately if you have never paid attention to rowing. I haven’t.
You also have basic advice from other business and self-improvement books.
Note: It’s written in extremely British jargon.
June 15, 2022
In a word: Disappointing.
I had heard SO much praise for this that I had high hopes. It's rare that I don't finish a book, but this one became such a chore of grinding through badly-told anecdotes, cliched yet badly framed "lessons learned", and then weak and overly simplistic performance and coaching rubrics, I simply gave up.
This would have been a very effective work with better writing and editing, and with a target length of 80-100 pages only.
Not a good read.
I had heard SO much praise for this that I had high hopes. It's rare that I don't finish a book, but this one became such a chore of grinding through badly-told anecdotes, cliched yet badly framed "lessons learned", and then weak and overly simplistic performance and coaching rubrics, I simply gave up.
This would have been a very effective work with better writing and editing, and with a target length of 80-100 pages only.
Not a good read.
May 18, 2024
Excellent motivational and thought provoking
I was recommended this book by a work colleague when I was asked to look after a lot more people in a much larger geographical area for the company I work at and the task seemed huge. Fantastic recommendation. It was a book that wasn't even on my radar.
The story of the British Olympic 8 team and their journey to the 2000 Olympic Final and everything that journey incorporates is excellent. Totally recommend this book.
I was recommended this book by a work colleague when I was asked to look after a lot more people in a much larger geographical area for the company I work at and the task seemed huge. Fantastic recommendation. It was a book that wasn't even on my radar.
The story of the British Olympic 8 team and their journey to the 2000 Olympic Final and everything that journey incorporates is excellent. Totally recommend this book.
November 8, 2024
An enjoyable and informative read. Written in simple language that brings you on the olympic journey whilst also giving you plenty of thought provoking scenarios that relate to your own daily goals. I have now also adopted the title of the book as my own daily question around important life decisions. Well worth a read and a book you will easily return to and flick through for some instant inspiration.
April 16, 2018
Loved the way book is laid out with each chapter split into two parts (experience and learning). The learnings are simple to remember and easy to put into practice / relate to your own life. Have bookmarked a lot of pages with great insights and ways of thinking - must-read!
August 24, 2021
A good read with great details about how how to achieve your goals. Well written and research book that took you on a journey of discovery. Lots of interesting tip along the way. Thought provoking and something I shall try to adopt in my life.
June 1, 2022
In general I’m not a motivational book type of person. It took me a few months to get through this. However, for a motivational book I feel like it was very well done and I have already started implementing some of the things into my work life.
January 30, 2023
I really like self-help books...and rowing...but this was poorly written and didn't have anything that gave me any real insight into how the team improved or how I could. I wanted to like it but it was disappointing. Didn't finish it.
May 30, 2023
Probably generous with 3 starts but just got over the line due to interest in subject matter that formed the basis of the book. The interaction between the two authors in their seperate sections in each Chapter carried it through as well. I took some things out of it for sure.
March 27, 2025
Insightful and well written book offering advice for anyone who is a part of a team or leading a team that needs to change to deliver. The book won't solve your problems but it will help you start to ask the right questions.
September 23, 2017
This is an absolutely brilliant book. Useful for anyone who works in a team environment, or as a leader of people. So much resonates.
March 4, 2018
easy and fast read, not extraordinary.
March 24, 2019
I found this book practical and very useful. I am already applying some of the strategies and seeing results, and will continue to do so in the coming days and years.
January 30, 2021
My first dive into the psychology of performance sport (and stoicism), this book gave me the mechanisms that formed the basis of how I approach challenges still to this day
9
9
July 18, 2021
Great storytelling and motivator. And compartmentalize steps to make your goals obtainable.
October 20, 2021
Cool easy entertaining read. It’s about making progress (make the boat go faster). Insights about the right mindset, goal setting and handling risk, wins and failures right.
November 1, 2021
A brilliant book. Full of inspiration and ideas.
April 24, 2022
Lovely story with real practical tips which you can implement
October 5, 2022
Easy to read, will be referring back to this for sure
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews