Are you playing the game of business to win or not to lose?
Attitude in how you approach business is THE key to success
As the football playoffs are in full swing, we are reminded of big come from behind wins and unexpected loses. Just recently, the Kansas City Chiefs, who were down 24–0 to the Houston Texans, came back to win the game 51–31. Just a couple of years ago at the BIG game, the Atlanta Falcons were leading 21–0 and then lost to the New England Patriots 34–28 in overtime. You can see this in just about any sport where one opponent has built a sizable lead only to switch from trying to win to making sure they don’t lose. Time and again we see those that play not to lose eventually lose.
Sports analogies to business have been around as long as there has been organized sports. The CEO is the coach, sales and marketing are the offense, the competition is the opponent. In deference to Simon Sinek in his book The Infinite Game, while there is no real “winning” in business, a lot has to be said about the attitude in that business. Too many companies are just trying not to lose. And as in the examples of Houston and Atlanta, they too will lose. I admit that for businesses this statement is a little harsh. It would be more appropriate to say that those businesses that are playing not to lose will just not be as successful as they could…
