Olympic medallist Steve Backley is backing a new guide, written by a Kent expert, that aims to develop gold-medal winning leaders.

Secrets to Success at Work and in Business has been written by Simon Teague, a former senior banker and now a consultant and executive coach.

The self-help guide, which can be propped on a desk, is based on leadership principles practised by the world's gurus.

In a foreword, javelin thrower Backley says that one of his drivers was the pursuit of excellence. "This is what fuelled my passion and desire to win, to tackle adversity and ultimately to feel the warmth and joy of success."

His belief is that success is not a gift but a decision that can be helped by learning from others. His success was based on studying the world's best athletes and learning their theories, methods and skills. The same can be said of business success and Backley commends Teague for succinctly describing easy to apply strategies for personal and business life.

"It acts like a handy tool-kit, but it is also like having your very own coach at our side."

Given the Backley connection, Teague's guide is set for a major in-store promotion in this Olympic year. It has already sold hundreds of copies on Amazon and now Teague is taking it to Waterstone's, Costco and The Works. He says it's "a self-development not a shelf development" programme.

Before becoming a consultant, Teague, 46, from Folkestone, was NatWest Senior Director Business Banking. He now specialises not only in leadership but also in mergers and acquisitions.

He advised education chiefs on the complex merger of West Kent and South Kent colleges to create K College with 25,000 students and 1,200 staff.

It was achieved in 14 months - far quicker than the typical three or four years. "I can help companies in change management situations and to build winning teams," he says.

n Secrets to Success at Work and In Business, by Simon Teague, £29.90. More details at www.the-ultimate-guide.co.uk