Having Visions of a Champion Organization

As Major League Baseball gets set t launch the 2009 regular season on Sunday night, April 5th, it reminds me of the excitement I felt as a youth this time of year because of  the possibilities that were ahead of my favorite team the New York Mets. As with all teams heading out of Spring Training, they were in first place on Opening Day and had visions of getting to the World Series.

Every team as it leaves Spring Training has visions of getting to the World Series. Having the vision is important and is the first step in creating a “Champion Organization,” but it isn’t everything. As we’ve seen many times, regardless of what  a team’s roster looks like on paper, they still have to play the games.

Just having a vision isn’t enough. It also takes an effective strategy along with consistent, effective implementation of the strategy and flexibility to make adjustments to the strategy when necessary.

Hmm, success in the business world is very similar to success in professional sports, isn’t it? It’s also easier. In business, companies don’t have to necessarily compete with anyone other than themselves. From my experience that’s sometimes easier said than done as some companies can’t get out of their own way and keep spinning their wheels.