I love using a sailing metaphor to make business strategies memorable and fun!
This time inspiration comes from Sir Ben Ainslie, four times Olympic champion and one of the greatest sailors of all time. Sir Ben Ainslie is often described as a master tactician leading Oracle Team USA to victory in the 2013 America's Cup. This victory has been described as the "greatest sporting comeback in history!
From Zero to Hero: Sir Ben Ainslie's 1 day Transformation
During the 2013 America's Cup, Team USA had been trailing 8-1 against the Team New Zealand. With only one more race to win, it was predicted Team New Zealand had the victory.
That is....until Ainslie jumped on the Team USA boat. This master tactician transformed the team from a 1-8 loss to a winning streak in less than 1 day. So how did he do it?
Tapping into his wealth of experience as having 'been there, seen it, done it before' during many races throughout his career, Sir Ben Ainslie assessed the boat, the crew, the set up and strategy.Oracle had a 203-strong team, each member with a specific task, each with a part to play in the hi-tech multi-million pound programme. In Ainslie's own words, he had a 'mountain to climb'. The next day he implemented changes to the boat, the crew, the set up and strategy. Against all the odds, Ainslie led the USA team to victory.
This strategy is not reserved to the sport sector alone. Business owners can adopt this strategy and achieve the same transformational results. Invite world class experts to jump on board your company for 1 day, 1 week, 1 month or 1 year when you are seeking acceleration, transformation or simply a new perspective
"Transform your business in 1 day.
Invite a world class expert to jump on board"
Business Lessons from the Ocean
1. Who has sailed your path before?
List 5 people you know, admire or follow that have a wealth of experience, impressive track record and a reputation as a world class expert.
2. Just Ask!
It sounds obvious yet few companies do this!
Contact the expert and ask if they would jump on board your boat (company) as a Mentor, Non-Executive Director or sit on your Advisory Panel. You will be amazed at how many successful people love to share their expertise and help others.
3. Discover new strategies
Be inquisitive! Ask about their strategies and the results they expect. Learn from them and implement.
