The Game of Business: Why Leaders Must Prioritize Preparation

Imagine this: a team steps onto the field for a crucial game, only to realize that they’re woefully unprepared. The truth is, that game was lost long before the players even arrived—lost during the summer when pre-season conditioning wasn’t taken seriously enough. This scenario isn't just limited to sports. In both sports and business, a lack of preparation is a setback that’s nearly impossible to overcome.

Now, think about your business. How many companies struggle with the same issue? Let’s say you’re leading a company with a complex sales process, one that has a long cycle from initial contact to closing the deal. What your team is doing today to engage with prospects will directly determine whether you meet your sales goals months, or even a year, from now. If your team isn’t fully prepared and proactive at this moment, you may already be losing that “game.” And here’s the tough reality—no amount of effort later on can make up for what’s being neglected today.

But there’s more at stake than just missing your sales targets. Failing to prepare your team sets off a chain reaction that can erode your leadership from within. When your team senses that they’re not ready to win, confidence begins to crumble. And while no one enjoys losing, the real damage comes from the feeling of being in a no-win situation—an outcome that’s avoidable with the right preparation.

As a leader, your role isn’t just to direct but to empower. If you don’t get your team ready to succeed, you risk losing their confidence. Over time, if this happens repeatedly, your credibility as a leader diminishes. You might still hold the title, but your influence and effectiveness will wane—until one day, the title might be all you have left, if even that.

In business, as in sports, preparation is the foundation of success. Don’t let your game be lost before it even begins. We are cheering you on as you prioritize preparation today, and set your team—and yourself—up to win.