Fencing is an original Olympic sport and one of the world ’ s fastest sports as judged by the speed of the tip of the sword . FOR TECHYOUR BUSINESS CONNECTION by NORMAN KATZ
The martial art of fencing is strategic and tactical . It is a one-on-one competition of physical dexterity and mental analysis , and is sometimes described as “ physical chess ”. For these reasons and others , fencing offers entrepreneurs and business owners thoughtful lessons that can lead to better performance . Here are a few salient examples .
Don ’ t forget your ground game
Fencing is more than knowing how to handle the sword : the sport relies upon mastery of footwork for balance , speed , tempo and distance . When I coach fencing , I begin with footwork .
Establishing the foundational data , processes , software systems and supply chain partnerships ensures that a business has the necessary ground game in place in order to execute the uninterrupted delivery of its products or services to its customers .
Pick what works for your repertoire
As a fencer develops their style , the result is that not every attack and defence move becomes a part of an individual fencer ’ s catalogue , especially at the outset .
You need to decide what products and / or services you can succeed at initially , and focus on excelling in this area . With experience and success , more complicated moves , or new items and amenities , can be developed and included .
Achieve your goals to reach your objectives
In differentiating between goals and objectives , I use the sports match
Better execution
Business is not a sport , it is a battle , but it need not be a bruising fight . A winning fencer , for example , is not always the one who is tallest
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analogy : The first person or team to score the most goals ( points ) before the end of play ( except in golf ) is the winner . The objective is to win . How ? By scoring more goals first .
Therefore , goals are more tactical , as they have a shorter perspective , versus objectives , which are more strategic and have a longer outlook . The more personal goals are , the more attainable they are .
Think it through
Fencing teaches athletes to think two moves ( or more ) ahead . Understanding the ramifications of actions taken , or those avoided , is a critical thinking skill that leaders also require .
Gather the applicable internal and external people with the qualifications and experience to ensure that all possibilities and options are presented and discussed . Make decisions in the best interest of the organisation .
or has the longest reach . Successful businesses , like champion fencers , must self-assess and analyse the challenging forces at the speed of competition . Fencers use skinn y swords , not thick broadswords . In fencing , it ’ s not about bludgeoning the opponent ; it ’ s about outscoring the opponent faster .
That ’ s better execution , and that ’ s smarter business .
— NK
Don ’ t get foiled
What business leaders can learn from the sport of fencing
COURTESY NORMAN KATZ
Norman Katz owns south Florida – based consultancy Katzscan Inc . ( katzscan . com ), and is a fencing coach and the author of Attack , Parry , Riposte : A Fencer ’ s Guide to Better Business Execution ( Austin Macauley , 2020 ; not available at Costco )
COSTCO CONNECTION
Costco warehouses and Costco . co . uk offer a variety of essentials for small businesses , from products to services , at great value .
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022 Costco Connection 11