The alternative is realism or pessimism. The best realism can do is keep you where you are. Pessimism takes you backwards. The only attitude with any chance of success is optimism. The best response to failure is optimism.
If you train people to cut partners loose, don’t be surprised if you’re one day cut loose
It’s very expedient to be a mercenary. To use and discard people. To teach your followers to do the same. It’s just not a winning strategy. Eventually you will need your partners to stick by your side. If you cut people loose, don’t be surprised if you’re cut loose.
Business is about people
Business might seem to be governed by hard rules, but in truth it’s governed by relationships. People do business with people. People are the constant, and most people only deal with people they like. So make sure you’re liked. At the very least make sure you’re not hated. Otherwise no one will want to deal…
Sometimes you need a common enemy to make you remember what you have in common
You’ll have fall outs with friends and partners. Bad feelings. Things can get so bad you forget what brought you together in the first place. You forget what you had in common. That’s where a common comes in handy. A common enemy brings people together. A common enemy helps you remember what you have in…
Tomorrow is another dawn
You’ve had some setbacks. Taken some hits. You’re down, but you’re not out. You’re never out. Just put a wet towel on your head, kick the cat and have a stiff drink before going to bed. Tomorrow is another dawn.
WP rugby entertains. Blue Bulls rugby wins
WP are renowned for flashy rugby. It’s won them some Currie Cups and lots of fans. Blue Bulls are known for boring rugby. They have more Currie Cups that WP. Ideally you want both: entertainment and the basics. But if you have to choose, choose boring. You’re trying to win friends. You’re trying to win.
Bad CEOs complain about their Boards
The job of the CEO is to manage her Board, and to shield her staff from boardroom issues. It’s just part of your daily duties. So don’t diss your Board, don’t moan and groan. Your job is to keep your Board on-side. If you can’t do that, you’re failing at your job. Bad CEOs complain…
You can’t worry about the other guy
All you can do is focus on your own game. Play to your strengths. Minimise mistakes. Let the other play his game.
Keep going
If you know you’re right, there’s only one thing to do. Keep going. If you know you’re wrong, there’s only one thing to do. Give up. Sometimes the difference between being right and wrong needs to pointed out by someone else. If in doubt, keep going.
There’s nothing like a deadline
If you want things to happen, contrive a deadline. Not a bluff. Not a faker. A hard deadline that, if not met, kills the deal. That’s how you get people to commit one way or another. That’s how you force decisions. That’s how you move. There’s nothing like a deadline.
Don’t make big decisions in emotional times
Sometimes it’s impossible to remain emotionless. Rational. Unaffected. To not panic. That’s ok. You’re human. Just remember to not make any big decisions in those times. Wait a couple days. Wait for the emotion to pass. Don’t make big decisions in emotional times.
Be pushy, but grateful
If you want to get ahead, you can’t wait. You have to push. Nag. Demand. Throw your toys occasionally. It will irritate people, but there’s no other way. Just remember that life is long and you don’t want enemies. Show gratitude when things go your way. When people give you what you want. Be pushy,…