As with many things, I enjoy reflecting on lessons from sports into business.  Atop the marvelous victory for the Chicago Blackhawks, each game in the Stanley Cup Finals presented the best players opposing each other with counterbalancing performances over multiple games.  The NBA Finals allowed reminiscence on past greats in addition to sustained high-level competition, until an injury upended the matchups.  Viewing a longstanding elite team in World Cup play displayed the supremacy of experience in situations and among teammates.

Since I’m drawn to the highest level of play in fields of my interests and with the game tipping in the balance, I wondered how this could translate to business, where blue oceans are better than red seas.  Two paths emerged.  First, the competitors need prepare by seeking out the best competition and training for themselves in developing their skills.  Second, lopsided victories result from strategic encounters of potentially momentary duration, yet still uncertain in the outcome.

While still physically active within the flow of my family, five years have passed since my last measured athletic competition.  The last event won a championship, promoting feelings of elation and freedom.  Part of the context of the victory related to a client contact having requested my participation.

The lessons from the season carry over.  Preparation for routine competitions lays the path for ultimate success.  Our team’s excellent record in the regular season had given us a bye in the first round.  Also, focus on an early win serves well.  In our second game of the double-elimination tournament, we had beaten the team that we ultimately needed to beat again for the championship.  Click to view Tournament Results.

In addition, success in matchups carries through.  Our success against the same opponents from the regular season gave us momentum into the tournament.  We had worn down our rival’s mental and emotional capital by repeatedly defeating them.  Our own confidence had grown from repeatedly emerging well in each changed context.

Below is a photo of our Championship Team of the 2004-05 Naperville Park District 35 B Basketball League, where one star player was absent because of a schedule conflict.  I was a starting forward, rightmost as you view the photo.

Text Copyright © 2010 Bob Brill

Championship Team · Naperville Park District Basketball