Dive Brief:

• There is a lot in common between what goes into creating a successful sports team and what goes into making your business succeed.
• One important lesson is about following all the steps, executing and not looking for shortcuts, putting energy into getting done what needs to be done rather than spending it on plans for alternatives.
• Sometimes others seem to succeed without the grunt work, but that's luck, not a strategy.

Dive Insight:

The analogy between sports and business grew out of a conversation with Gus Malzahn, Auburn University head football coach. What he requires of his players – and what successful head coaches or CEOs always require – is a strong work ethic and commitment to the team's goal. With those, players and workers can focus on the details and make excellent execution the routine.