Gold medalist Rebeca Andrade (C) of Team Brazil, silver medalist Simone Biles (L) of Team United … [+]

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In an era when viral moments are often fleeting, a recent display of sportsmanship has caught the world’s attention and is redefining what it means to have good sportsmanship—not just in sports, but in the broader context of the workplace.

This moment, involving celebrated gymnasts Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles and their Brazilian counterpart, Rebeca Andrade, triggered an important conversation. Biles and Chiles, who earned silver and bronze, respectively, won even more admiration from fans after they physically bowed to Andrade, who clinched her second Olympic gold medal in the floor exercise.

The moment was even more powerful and noteworthy because Andrade, Biles and Chiles made history as the first all-Black gymnastics podium in the Olympics, and in a conversation with reporters, Biles shared why the moment was particularly important.

“First, it was an all-Black podium, so that was super exciting for us,” Biles said. “But then Jordan was like, ‘Should we bow to her?’ And I was like, ‘Absolutely’ — it was just the right thing to do.”

“She’s so amazing. She’s queen,” Biles said. “She’s such an excitement to watch — all the fans in the crowd always cheering for her.”

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The Broader Context Of The Gesture

To fully appreciate Biles and Chiles’ gesture, it is important to understand its broader context. Biles, who is regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, has secured her legacy with a total of 11 Olympic medals, but her journey has been marked by many challenges, including mental health struggles, which she has been vocal about and which previously contributed to her two-year hiatus.

Chiles, too, has faced her share of mental health roadblocks, which she has overcome, so the moment the three women shared at the Paris Olympics was not just a display of professionalism, but also an open celebration of one of the core ingredients that drive humans to succeed: teamwork and sportsmanship.

Most importantly, Biles and Chiles demonstrated four important lessons for viewers.

Simone Biles of Team USA competes on the uneven bars during the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics … [+]

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1. Success Is Not A Zero-Sum Game

This principle challenges the idea that one person’s achievements must come at the expense of another’s, and most people in toxic work cultures tend to approach their work with this mindset. In many competitive environments, especially in the workplace, there can be a belief that resources, opportunities, and recognition are limited and this scarcity mindset fosters a cutthroat environment that is both toxic and unhealthy for workplace culture.

Employees in these cultures who view their colleagues as rivals rather than collaborators can create a domino effect that is damaging to rapport and morale. However, embracing the idea that success is not a zero-sum game can encourage a more cooperative and supportive culture that promotes an understanding that one person’s success can create opportunities for others, which can make for a more inclusive and collaborative environment.

2. Emotional Intelligence Is A Priceless Human Tool

People with low emotional intelligence levels often struggle to overcome being overlooked for promotions, raises, or other work-related perks. For some, sharing the spotlight can be challenging, especially when they are used to being the star of the show and this power struggle can lead to resentment and disengagement, which can hurt a team’s dynamics and productivity.

ForbesWomen’s Gymnastics 2024 Olympic Beam Final Results: Falls Shake Up PodiumBy Kasey NelsonOn the other hand, people with high emotional intelligence have developed a mental reservoir that helps them to navigate these situations with grace, recognizing the value of others’ contributions and maintaining a collaborative and positive work environment. Biles, who is constantly in the news for her athletic excellence, chose to use this moment to celebrate someone else’s excellence, which was proof that she did not feel the need to be threatened by Andrade, but instead showed an exceptional level of emotional intelligence and support.

Jordan Chiles of Team United States competes on the balance beam during the Artistic Gymnastics … [+]

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3. Celebrating Collective Success Can Increase Connectivity

A core component of good sportsmanship is winning with humility and losing with dignity, and another part of embracing the idea of sportsmanship is understanding the value of collective success.

When companies and teams recognize and reward group achievements, they foster a sense of unity and shared purpose, which is what we have seen at the Olympics with Andrade, Biles and Chiles. Celebrating collective success not only improves interpersonal relationships within the workplace but also inspires people to work smarter for the success of the team.

By celebrating collective success, teams can break down silos and encourage cross-functional collaboration, which can inspire a more innovative workplace.

Rebeca Andrade of Team Brazil in action during the Women’s Floor Final on day ten of the Tokyo 2020 … [+]

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4. Respect Your Opponent

Respect is a concept that closely mirrors sportsmanship because it is relevant to nearly every part of life and work and one of the oldest principles of life is to treat others as you would want to be treated. Athletes like Biles and Chiles have shown that when respect is extended to an opponent, it creates an environment of trust and sets the standard that respect and admiration can coexist with fierce competition, whether it is at the Olympics or the office.

Fans will always remember this moment for the history that three young, Black women made, but also for the powerful message they shared with the world—a message of unity and respect.