Opening vs. Finishing

One of the things that has fascinated me about sports is how a tough target is pulled off. Like a big score in limited overs or a world record run. Not to generalize, but I have seen a pattern which we use at OfBusiness too.

First is when teams have to do it. They generally go for it in the opening itself, no holds barred. Like in limited overs cricket, you pinch-hit so that the later batters find it easy. If you conserve wickets, the pressure may be too much for too many to handle at the end. Like when we start the year with a company target, we’d like to overperform in April or the first quarter itself.

Next is when individuals have to do it. You take the game to the finish (like say a Dhoni does, or the great African middle/ long distance runners inevitably sprint the last lap). You pace yourself in the beginning since you have supreme confidence that when it comes to the wire, your ability to keep cool and draw out the last pump of adrenaline is much more vs. your opponent. When we engage in individual deal making in a one-on-one situation (in sales, bidding or a purchase negotiation), this style is helpful.

Opening vs. finishing – Very different approaches but has worked for us depending on whether the setting is a team or an individual target one.

Read more from CEO speaks Column:-
– OntoNext
– Institutional cheating