Basketball and Business
By Rodney Kent
OhioMBE – April 1, 2014
When we talk about a process, is there any difference between business and basketball?
You’re the coach of your business
At its best, basketball is as much a mental game as a physical one. The players come together to execute a game plan that’s based on a philosophy, just as we do in business. Understanding basic theory is necessary, regardless of how fast one runs or jumps, understanding one’s position relative to other teams in the league, and to the clock is essential. When a team is down they must try a variety of things to change their position within the game.
Setting a tone for the season is job number one for a coach, just as it’s very important to make sure that the corporate team understands its business. With the stage set and buy-in from the team, it’s time to execute the plan.
There are a number of things you, the coach, will come to consider:
1. Decision Making: Knowing when to shoot, when to pass, and when to drive are important judgment calls. The CEO can’t make every decision. You need a strong leader that you trust, and who understands your team’s philosophy to run the offence.
2. Playing a Position: Every member of the team has a role to play. The better they understand that role, the better they’re going to be, whether in the boardroom or on the hardwood. You don’t count on your point guard to rebound in the paint, or your Sales Manager to do quality control. If everyone is doing their own job well, though, then you’re executing your game plan well.
3. Philosophy: Gather your data, stats; remember why you’re in this business in the first place. A philosophy informs everything else your team or business does. It’s the way you want to interact with suppliers and customers, the best things about your mentors, your unchanging principles and the framework within which you will build a game plan around your team. The game plan is tactics; your philosophy is strategy.
4. Dynasty: There is a reason that some coaches are successful no matter what school they’re coaching at or what players they have in a given year. That reason is that they have a strong philosophy that helps them build a smart game plan. Their team plays its positions well and makes good decisions. Even in the face of strong opposition or players who aren’t quite as fast as the competition, these teams still do okay until they can change their circumstances. Business is no different.
You are the coach. Develop your team, make a sales call, close, and win the bid. As long as there is a level playing field, you have a chance to win
Enjoy March Madness.
Small and Emerging Business is good Business
Rodney C. Kent is the Emerging Business Coordinator for Franklin County.
