Listening: 60 percent of management problems stem from poor communication – mostly from poor listening.
3 min read5 sectionsSituationLink to the law
Contents
“Nyad” is the first feature film by the directing duo Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. It premiered in Telluride on September 1, 2023 and has been available on Netflix since November 3, 2023. Annette Bening plays the swimmer Diana Nyad, Jodie Foster her friend and coach Bonnie Stoll. It is based on Nyad’s memoir “Find a Way”; what is described here is the portrayal in the film. It shows the Law of the Inner Circle: a leader’s potential is determined by the people closest to her.
A golden dot crosses wavy lines, closely surrounded by a ring of five white dots – like the swimmer and her crew in “Nyad”.
01
A goal that cannot be reached alone
Situation
At the age of 60, Diana takes up an old plan again: around 110 miles from Cuba to Florida. She had failed at it 28 years earlier. Her best friend Bonnie becomes her coach, and John Bartlett takes over the navigation.
Link to the law
Nobody achieves great things alone. The inner circle should supply what the leader lacks. Here, one person knows Diana inside out, the other knows the sea.
02
The circle catches her
Situation
In 2011, the first attempt fails because of an allergic reaction and unfavorable currents. On the second attempt, Diana is badly injured by box jellyfish and loses consciousness. The team brings her back.
Link to the law
The inner circle carries the leader when she can go no further. It sees risks that she herself blocks out. Leaders should set up their circle so that it is allowed to act in an emergency.
03
Those who do not listen lose the people closest to them
Situation
In 2012, the team is caught in a severe thunderstorm and Bartlett’s boat fills with water. Bonnie calls off the attempt; Diana does not want to give up. Bonnie accuses her of being self-centered and temporarily steps down from her role. Bartlett, too, initially declines to continue.
Link to the law
What is missing here is the Quality of Listening. An inner circle is not a tool for the boss’s goal. Disagreement from those close by is the most valuable information a leader receives.
04
To the shore together
Situation
Diana and Bonnie reconcile, and Bartlett also returns. When Diana hallucinates from exhaustion, Bonnie jumps into the water beside her and encourages her. On September 2, Diana reaches the beach at Key West.
Link to the law
Closeness at the decisive moment cannot be bought. It grows out of a relationship that has survived conflicts. Leaders should invest in their closest colleagues before the crisis comes.
05
The thanks and the open question
Situation
On the beach, Diana says, in essence, that the sport looks solitary but takes a team. The real Nyad swam for around 53 hours in 2013 at the age of 64, accompanied by 35 helpers. The recognition is disputed: the association WOWSA did not ratify the record because of gaps in the observer logs. Guinness withdrew its entry.
Link to the law
A good inner circle also ensures diligence. Achievement needs clean evidence if it is to last. That is why every leadership circle needs a person who pays attention to rules and records.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
01
Choose people for your closest circle who fill your gaps.
02
Give your circle the right to stop you.
03
Listen when the people close to you disagree.
04
Invest in these relationships before you need them.
05
Name your team when you succeed, and document properly.
Summary
The film tells the story of a strong-willed woman who reaches her goal only after several failed attempts. What makes the difference is not just her own strength, but her coach and her navigator. When she does not listen to them, the project is on the brink of collapse. The inner circle determines how far a leader gets.
