subject: Computer Training - Are You Playing To Win, Or Playing Not To Lose? [print this page] In the 2002 Winter Olympics, figure skater Michelle Kwan was the favorite to win. She was ahead and had the victory in sight, and yet suddenly in one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history a young Sarah Hughes (who was in 4th place) gave the performance of a lifetime, and grabbed the medal right out from under Michelle.
This little story has much to teach about how to run your business, and training initiatives.
Playing to Win
As you consider the phrase "playing to win," what comes up for you? For me, I imagine concepts such as being aggressive, playing smart, playing hard, going all out, taking risks, and other ideas.
An athlete who plays to win is giving every ounce of energy towards attaining the goal, with losing not an option.
Playing Not to Lose
As you consider the phrase, "playing not to lose," what comes up instead? For me, the concept of caution, being careful, playing it safe, not going for it, and other thoughts come to mind.
An athlete playing with this mindset is sure not to take risks. This athlete is sure to be worried about losing, and herein lies the rub. If you are playing not to lose, your sight is on losing, not winning.
When your eyes are not on the prize, you cannot win what you do not see!
This famous story about Michelle Kwan illustrates an athlete afraid of losing, so she played it safe to keep her lead. Rookie Sarah Hughes had no qualms about losing. She was not expected to win, and by her own admission, she was skating for the pure joy of it.
She had her eyes on the prize, the goal of skating in perfect harmony with herself and the music, and because of her playing to win, she won.
In our business initiatives, we have the same options. We can play not to lose, or we can put our eyes on the prize and play to win. How are you "playing" your business lately?
Do you find yourself holding back on key decisions out of fear of losing, either money, prestige, or time? Do you know how to proceed, but keep yourself back to try to play it safe?
I know of one business owner who told me for months he would invest in getting an effective salesperson for his business. He told me he was waiting until the market improved. Finally I told him, "what if the market never improves? Will you keep yourself and your business on hold indefinitely?"
This made a lot of sense to him, and he is now attracting new clients. So how are you holding back?
Investing in training and soft-skills is the sure way to set yourself up for victory now and in the long-run. Pulling back on training is playing not to lose. The choice is yours.
