Saturday, July 11, 2015

Clearly Define Success

Clearly define success.

Dictionaries define failure as a lack of success, but its true definition is personal and subjective. Amanda Scarborough, ESPN softball analyst and coach, stresses that coaches and managers must clearly define what constitutes success, mediocrity and failure. Lack of clarity from the coach about the ultimate goal sends conflicting messages and creates confusion and insecurity. Good coaches tell and show their players what they expect. Amanda also points out that winning the game may not be the only definition of success.

Similarly, business managers must clearly define success, failure and mediocrity and outline specific outcomes and directions. Just as coaches review winning plays and techniques, strong managers provide examples of successful projects and outcomes, and coach their employees to the desired outcomes.

 John Wooden, the famous basketball coach, once said that the journey (the practice) is better than the end (the game).

 Wooden’s philosophy was never to stress winning; he believed the outcomes would simply be a result of the team’s collective preparation.

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