When Peter Vidmar captained the US Men's Gymnastics Team to its Olympic Gold Medal in 1984, exceptional performances were judged using three criteria - Risk, Originality and Virtuosity (ROVTM). A technically correct performance could only receive a 9.4 at best. In order to achieve a perfect 10, the gymnast had to show Risk, Originality and Virtuosity. An additional 0.2 points could be earned in each of these categories.

Although ROV is not currently part of the judging criteria, it still has important applications in the business world and in life, especially if someone wants to go from "good" to "great." People often give a "technically correct" performance, but they are unable to achieve the degree of success they desire. Frequently, the additional effort or needed improvements are embodied in ROV.

The ROV principles are simple, yet the underlying messages are profound. Risk means you're willing to do something daring. Originality allows you to quit copying the other guy and accomplish something that causes others to try and copy you. And Virtuosity involves performing an ordinary skill in an extraordinary way. When applied together, these principles can produce great results.

Motivation — ROV... Risk, Originality and Virtuosity
In his powerful keynote presentation, Peter converts Olympic Gold into corporate wisdom. With a live demonstration on the pommel horse, artfully blended into his speech, Peter uses the ROV principles to vividly describe requirements for a perfect 10 in business and in life. Audiences gain fresh perspectives on reaching higher levels of performance, using their creativity to separate them from the competition, and perfecting their needed skills on a daily basis. As Peter says, "If you want to be at your best when it really matters, you've got to be at your best every time." Humor, relevance to his audience, high energy, drama and standing ovations are all characteristic of this presentation.

Teamwork — Getting your Team on the Podium
Gymnastics, while a team sport, is based entirely on a collection of individual performances for it's outcome. At the Olympic Games, while he was competing with his teammates, Peter was simultaneously competing against them for individual medals. So how did these athletes work together on a daily basis for the benefit of the team? Using the ROV principles, Peter answers this important question, describing the tools he and his teammates applied, every day, to reach the top of the Olympic Podium, both as a team and as individuals.

Innovation — Pushing The Envelope
One of the reasons gymnastics is the most watched event of the Olympic Games is that the viewer can always expect something new and different from the athletes. Gymnasts are masters at pushing the envelope, as they constantly try to reinvent their athletic art form. Innovation also involves some risk, and Peter shows how the judging category of ROV: Risk, Originality, and Virtuosity, became a mandate for constant change in his sport. In describing how we need to stop playing catch up with the competition, Peter says, "A perfect 10 just a few years ago may only score an 8.5 today. If I don't innovate, I'll be left behind very quickly!"