Pragmatic Practices (6): Preparation Precedes Performance

Here is an interesting article on a poor wardrobe assessment by the USA’s Ryder Cup team.

Compass Rule: Always perform due diligence before investing time and effort into anything relevant. ...

One would usually physically test the gear for all situations before deciding. ...

Regardless of the experience of the tester/decision maker, he or she should know the terrain, the implementers and the tangible standards of performance before testing. ... While the amateurs idealistically think about the simple standards of quality and style, the professionals focused on functionality, durability, dependability, reliability and lightness. Style is the occassional last choice. ... In order to compete efficiently, the team must take the time and effort to do everything thoroughly in order to gain every aspect of a technical vantage.

In an extreme competitive arena, the strategist usually get one opportunity to get it right. ... In a high risk/high reward situation, there is rarely any second chance. Failure is not an option. ...

The Compass View

Following is the role and responsibilities of a Compass Strategist:

1. Comprehending the big tangible picture by knowing the configurations of the grand terrain, the many possible situations within the grand situations and the participants within it;
2. Identifying the vital points, the urgent points and the big points within each possible situations; and
3. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each situation and each strategic move.