What can sports teach us about strategy execution? 10 lessons

 

Strategy is integral in both sports and business. Furthermore, the dynamics of competition are universal. In sports, every game is a full cycle. What can sports teach us about improving execution? Here are a few observations:

1. Grit wins over brains every day—but neither alone is enough for the long run. 
2. Anything can happen. Play is dynamic. Never assume. Always be ready.
3. Every event affects momentum (every play, every hit, every heckle). Lean in to positive, brace through negative, focus on realization objectives.
4. Plays are important. Competencies are essential. Synergy drives higher performance.
5. Play through (not to). Impact does not generate results; follow-through does.
6. Playing and watching are different. Players know. Great leaders (advisors) have played.
7. There’s only one coach. Players, parents, and spectators (employees, managers, and extended leadership teams) commit or leave.
8. Your perspective depends on your position. Great leaders speak to every perspective (forward/defense, rookie/veteran, coach/parent, beginning/end of game, winning/losing).
9. Skin in the game strengthens commitment (ambition, grudges, purses/bonuses).
10. Records are made to be broken. We can always do better.

Have you got more? Let’s hear them. Comments welcome.