On the eve of the next Ashes test up the road from where I pen this article at Old Trafford, I thought I’d share some thoughts on lessons learnt from the last scintillating test. With thanks to Andy Ross and ActionCOACH central team, although I have given this some of my own perspective.
1. Never give up. Businesses, especially start-ups, face odds that are as daunting as the fourth innings run target set by Australia. Success requires a level of resilience and determination that may seem impossible. When Broad was out I am sure that many England supporters thought that all hope was gone
2. Great teams need great individuals, and great individuals can make great teams. Building individual strengths and team strengths in unison is where the magic lies. How hard does Ben Stokes work on his own game, and how well did he represent the team as he went through the physical, mental and emotional rollercoaster of that innings?
3. Innovation pays off. As Ben Stokes demonstrated with some of those reverse sweeps for 6, mixing the conventional with the unpredictable was probably one of the keys to success . You need to be creative to thrive.
4. Acceleration requires a sound foundation. The Stokes’ innings was masterful in that it demonstrated the different gears needed to meet almost impossible odds, from studied concentration to ferocious attack, depending on the state of the game. In business starting slowly and building also doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Sustainable acceleration happens from a solid foundation of planning, financial control, productivity and customer satisfaction.
5. All team players can also be leaders. Businesses cannot thrive just because of the official leader, even if it’s Joe Root, Elon Musk or Richard Branson. Ben Stokes stepped up to a leadership role when required
6. Focus on the right goals. Don’t get distracted by irrelevant projects or landmarks. Stokes hardly acknowledged his century as he recognised that it would all be for nothing unless he carried on to meet the only relevant goal.
7. Celebrate wins! Business is business, but if you don’t enjoy the wins, what’s the point?
8. Good sportsmanship. The Australia team had plenty of reason to complain but they handled themselves with grace and goodwill, with plaudits for Stokes. It can’t have been easy after some of the mistakes and umpiring decisions and a proud history of Ashes “sledging”. I actually think that New Zealand shifted the norm there by the way they behaved during and after the recent World Cup. And whilst Australia lost the battle of Headingley, they can still win the Ashes! It’s not only about winning, it’s about how you conduct yourself in victory or defeat.. And of course in business it is not as black and white as winning or losing, it’s more about continuous improvement..
9. Take your opportunities. As Jack Leach cleaned his glasses and discussed tactics with Ben Stokes in the pressure cooker of the last few overs, surely the SpecSavers marketing team were jumping around their living rooms irrespective of their interest in cricket or their nationality? Ben Stokes and Jack Leach took their opportunity with admirable aplomb. Let’s see whether Specsavers can exploit their golden opportunity for the rest of the series and beyond.
Bring on Old Trafford…
