An #OpenLetter to Executives Who Think Business is Like Sports
Elliot S. Weissbluth
“So the problem is not so much to see what nobody has yet seen, as to think what nobody has yet thought concerning that which everybody sees.” ― Arthur Schopenhauer
Dear fellow CEOs,
Business is not a game. We’ve said it before.
In business, there are no referees, no rules, no timeouts to stop and catch your breath, and no guaranteed “winner.”
There are plenty of silly corporate buzzwords. But the sports analogies are the worst. For instance: “I need you to get out there and give it 120%.” No. 100% is all there is. That’s what 100% means. Maybe some coach thought this was inspiring, but in business where precision and math actually matter, it simply doesn’t make sense.
This is not to say that sports are uninspiring.
I had the honor of introducing Mike Eruzione, captain of the “Miracle on Ice” 1980 U.S. Olympic champion hockey team, at a HighTower event. He was invited by my partner, David Emma, a HighTower Advisor who is a former Olympian and professional hockey player. Mike spoke of his time with legendary coach Herb Brooks, who led the “Miracle” team to victory.
David, whom I admire as a dedicated professional who is deeply devoted to his clients, talks often about how his experiences on the ice shaped him — but never utters a single trite sports cliché. Hearing Mike’s story, and seeing how it inspired so many (including David), moved me to tears and forever changed my perspective on the game of hockey.
Your business is not a game.
But if you want to talk about sports, then tell a story instead. Inspire your colleagues with amazing and real accomplishments made against seemingly overwhelming odds — and avoid the clichés that high school coaches yell at their athletes.
What is your favorite inspirational sports story? Love to see your ideas in the comments below!
Going where the puck is going (sorry, I couldn’t resist),
Financial Service Product Manager| Data Management| Investment Accounting Professional
7 年Interesting post...It's okay to disagree and that is what I'll do at this time because the synergies between sports and business are so inline. Some of the most successful business executives are those who have played sport at a high level (pro or D1) or served in the military. I recall watching Mr. Emma at BC years ago and I'm sure he would tell you the drive and desire to play hockey at the highest level certain translated to his profession life off the ice. Not everybody receive a participation trophy in sports (excluding the young kids) and nor do you in business.
Founder at Cave. | A Social Media Marketing Agency
8 年Business is 100% not a sport. However, I believe playing sports can have a tremendous effect on your business. Things like leadership, teamwork, and good old fashioned hustle are common teaching lessons in sport - that translate directly to business. Anyways, I liked the post Elliot, and look forward to more stuff from you.
Vice President of Franchise Development with BrandONE and Owner of Baseball Concepts, Michigan's Premier West and Third Coast Tournaments
8 年Operating under pressure, collaboration, being part of something bigger than yourself, leading others toward a common goal, learning how to encourage and adapt because of circumstances, should I keep going?