Whether in business, interpersonal relationships or sports, it’s the fundamentals; the basics, that will make or break you in terms of success.
I thought about that this weekend as I watched my Florida Marlins lose their second two-out-of-three game series in a row, first to the Houston Astros, then to the Atlanta Braves. This after completing several very impressive winning series. What was the difference? Yes, the basics.
The Marlins are a young team, and with the lowest payroll in the league. However, they also have some great, great talent. Besides that, they play hard, consistently and they simply don’t give up.
And, they often win…except for when they don’t execute the fundamentals, such as “situational hitting”, bunting, and heads-up base running. (Defensively they rarely hurt themselves.)
When they do the little things right, they win. When they do the little things wrong, they lose. Hmm, maybe the “little things” aren’t so little, in the big scheme of things.
Isn’t this true about the other two areas of life mentioned above, as well?
If you agree, write in and let us know. Feel free to share specific examples.
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Very important point Bob! Little things or basics — ignored or not done have the potential to cause the most damage. It’s the kind of damage that can go unnoticed until “the season” (marriage/health/business) is too far gone to repair. Never underestimate the importance of the basics.
WOW – Great point, Edie! Thank you.
Hi Bob,
First, I am not a baseball fan (basketball is my game), but the point is loud and clear (smiles).
In training anyone on my team, and especially when they are stuck and start complaining about “no one picking them”, I take them back to some basics that I have learned from my 3 most cherished mentors: (Michael Dlouhy, Tom Schrieter and of course YOU) …
1. To earn more you must become more.
2. Focus on what you can give rather than what you can get from the relationship.
3. Let go of the emotional attachment to the outcome.
Those are the basics that I keep going back to over and over myself, as well as remind my team when they get frustrated. Usually, if one takes 5 minutes of self-observation, it is easy to spot which basic is missing in the equation.
Jennifer
Hi Bob,
I used to be a huge baseball fan, until the strike that canceled the World Series, now I’m just a passive fan. However I understand what your talking about. I am now helping to coach youth football, where the “Basics” are just as important.
1. You must know the plays: In business this may mean that you need to understand how to perform your service or what you product actually does for people.
2. You must recognize the plays: In business this may mean that you need to recognize what your clients and prospects will pay for.
3. You must have perfect execution, blocking and tackling are a good start but #1 & 2 are vital to the desired result: In business this may mean that with the focus on #1 & 2, you must take appropriate action to accomplish a gain. Like blocking; you must initiate contact with your prospects & clients, they wont come to you. Passing is like asking for the sale. Tackling is a businesses way of keeping clients and attracting more by delivering on your promise and “Giving” more than what they expect.
I could go on but I need to execute the very first basic…to show up for the game!
Joe
Jennifer, terrific points, my friend. You continue to develop into a terrific leader!
Joe, thank you; that’s a great look at how people can take the basics of a sport and apply them to business. I love it! Also reminds me of the story that Vince Lombardi, the Hall of Fame Coach of the Green Bay Packers used to being his initial pre-season address to his championship ballplayers by holding up an object in his hand and saying, “Gentlemen…this is a football.” Joe, it’s no wonder you and Renee have such a hugely successful business.
Jennifer and Joe, thanks again!
Hi Joe!
I LOVE baseball, in fact, I’m just a sports “nut.” You hit a home run with your analogy!! In today’s business climate and for that matter, in inter-personal relationships, it all comes down to one person interacting with another!! Truly, the basis of all skills. We learn that at an early age or NOT. And, if you haven’t developed basic communication skills along the way, you’re out in left field, as the saying goes.With all the technology at our disposal, ie., email, txt messaging, voice mail, video blogs/live streaming blog casts, Twitter, FaceBook, Blackberry’s, to help us “get our message out” to our customers and/or family/friends…we can still strike out! The skills of listening and engaging another face to face are taking a back seat to “techie things.” I believe, in order to make it in today’s world, you need great listening skills, be able to clearly and effectively state your position, build trust through actions and follow through. I prefer, face to face, one-on -one conversations, whenever possible. And I’d much rather give MORE to the relationship and watch it blossom over time, regardless of the outcome. You don’t need to hit a home run every time you’re at bat!! …..just sayin’
Thanks for your blog post…Go Marlins!! …(and L.S.U.!!!)
deb