Four Quick Business Learnings from One Dramatic Scene in a Golf Movie

I love a great sports movie every now and then. I will highlight one today that provides four great business lessons. The movie - The Greatest Game Ever Played.

The movie covers the Cinderella story of the young amateur, Francis Quimet, in the US Open many years ago.

There is one scene in the movie where the camera angle is from the backside of Quimet as he prepares to swing. In the shot are the faces of the onlooking crowd beyond him. Among the faces is that of Harry Vardon, the legendary English golfer who is also competing in the Open. Vardon wanted to see the young amateur in action.

Quimet draws his club back and hits a smashing shot. All of the heads in the background move immediately to watch the ball flight in unison. Vardon’s head stays focused on Quimet and does not move. There is a piercing focus in his eyes. A dramatic scene!

The business lessons:

1) During paradigm shifts, everyone races to get their position in the new paradigm. The seeds of the NEXT paradigm shift (the one beyond the current shift) are usually scattered along the shift that is in motion. Joel Barker has much to say on this point. His recommendation - Find these seeds while others are not looking!

2) Success in business often comes from seeing with new eyes and seeing things that others do not. Push yourself to see differently in areas that can make a difference.

3) Over the years, I have noticed in periods of non performance, many resort to distraction, trying to move the onlookers away from the core issues. NEVER take your eyes off the core. NEVER be the author of distraction either.

4) Sun Tzu has much to say on assessing competition and for good reason! Know your competitors better than yourself. Take the time to study them and their tendencies.

Have a great weekend!

Photos: My Son through the years... Over those years, I always tended to stay very focused on him through the shot! Just as Quimet beat Vardon in that Open that year, my son already performs well beyond his dad - on the golf course, in business and in life. Incredible Soul!