Sigma Sport
Can business really learn from sport?
I am a firm believer in the comparative analysis techniques such as applying the "best practices" other industries and sectors to improve their own company performance. Six Sigma, which was developed in the electronics industry, Motorola has been transferred successfully in other industries and sectors, the most important in the automotive industry. In fact, I am currently reading a book about how to apply Lean Six Sigma the techniques of the service sectors (it is heavy going by the way!)
So when I hear consultants and coaches talk about the application of principles and techniques used in sport to business, I am naturally inclined to embrace the idea. However, the more I thought about it, the fact remains that they have become. Some people firmly believe that the principles of sports training can have a positive impact on our outlook and approach to life. Can be taught to adopt a positive attitude and a winning mentality. But these are not human traits that can be inherent or acquired adopted without sports training anyway?
The arguments that keep coming back to include the following key differences:
First, someone who works in business usually will devote his entire life working for his career, while that a career in sport is often quite shorter. Therefore, not their views and perspectives relevant to be very different?
Secondly, and perhaps most important in the sport often have a single winner (yes, I know you can have is based on football or rugby, etc), to the extent deemed necessary for winning margins measured in hundredth of a second - or even thousandths of a second in motor sports like F1. But in business, is not likely to be more a winner? For example, a company may choose to award a major contract to a number of suppliers for reasons of commercial management, technical or risk. Are not all of those businesses to "win", despite being in the same race or competition?
For the third point I would like to refer to an Olympic final say the last 100 meters, for example. Now, I have no desire to discredit the achievements of participants in the final, how to get there is an outstanding achievement in itself same. But let's face facts, will not only be one winner and seven losers, and therefore, a coach who did well and seven did not. Can we really learn features sporting success when the probability of actually being a winner or do well, are so small? Are those individuals only recommend these perceived benefits "Cherry-picking" examples for their own purposes, or is the fine line between winning and losing part of the point that they are doing?
Finally, one simple question: How many sports personalities can think of that have been proven in business? Off the top of my head, I can only think of cotton Fran and Steve Smith of Rugby Union starting with the manufacturer of leisure, cotton merchants.
I would say that it might be possible for benchmark companies against sport, but there is no discernible benefit over the comparison with other companies or government departments for the case. Perhaps your desire to unite the two disciplines is more to do with their own aptitude for sports. What is it?
About the Author
PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKING YOUR BUSINESS EASIER AND MORE REWARDING TO MANAGE, BY PROVIDING SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS DILEMMAS
Suttongate Consulting Ltd. is a Finance Directorship consultancy, passionate about delivering financial, business and strategic management expertise mainly to small and medium sized enterprises (SME's) throughout the Midlands, and in particular the West Midlands and surrounding counties; who do not currently employ, or require on a full time basis, a Finance Director or Senior Finance Officer. What's more, you can call upon our professionally qualified knowledge and many years of "hands on" relevant and practical experience, for a fraction of the costs associated with employing a full time Finance Director.
Robust financial control; confident decision making & leadership; clear direction: We are passionate about making your business easier and more rewarding to manage by providing simple and effective solutions, not just suggestions. Amongst the benefits offered to your business are: efficient financial controls to ensure business risks are controlled and minimised; effective business management to provide the information you require, to foster confidence and belief in your decision making and leadership; and strategic management to ensure your business is going in the direction you want, and not the direction your competitors would prefer.
Clarity, confidence and optimism in your bigger, brighter future: The knowledge and experience offered is of vital importance to all businesses, and crucial to future success. Please visit our website to find out how, with our guidance, you can have clarity, confidence and optimism in your bigger, brighter future: robust financial control; confident decision making and leadership; clear direction.
Suttongate Consulting is regulated by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
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