In Position to Win: Leadership and Readiness
Watching the U.S. Open unfold firsthand, my thoughts naturally gravitated toward leadership and strategy. Surprisingly, it wasn’t about Donald Trump, who blended into the crowd during the first round, nor was it about Tiger Woods’ errant golf ball rolling to my feet, the Nike Swoosh gleaming in the sun.
Instead, the lesson was far simpler. While Tiger Woods is often associated with branding, the real takeaway wasn’t about logos or sponsorships—it was about his unwavering ability to always be in a position to win.
The Power of Positioning
No one watching the U.S. Open from start to finish could have predicted the exact outcome. Yet, one thing was clear: Tiger Woods would be in contention, regardless of the circumstances. That’s what defines greatness—not just winning but consistently positioning oneself for success.
How many business leaders or organizations can confidently say the same? Winning isn’t just about securing a victory at all costs, as Jack Welch discusses in his book Winning. Instead, it’s about consistently putting yourself in a position where success becomes inevitable. Wins come naturally when the foundation is strong, but chasing victory without strategy often leads to burnout and failure.
Selfless Leadership vs. Self-Consumption
The sports world is filled with examples that illustrate this point. Take George Steinbrenner—while undeniably successful as the owner of the New York Yankees, he was never regarded as selfless. Admired? Perhaps. But his leadership style leaned heavily on control and self-interest.
On the other hand, figures like Bobby Cox, manager of the Atlanta Braves, will be remembered for their ability to uplift those around them. Though not always successful in the postseason, Cox consistently positioned his team for long-term success. The same can be said for leaders like Joe Torre, Nolan Ryan, and Cal Ripken Jr. Contrast this with Pete Rose or Kobe Bryant, whose egos sometimes overshadowed their contributions to the team.
Positioning Yourself for Leadership Success
This isn’t an argument against ambition or competitiveness. Having the “eye of the tiger” is essential. However, leadership isn’t about winning at any cost—it’s about creating more opportunities to succeed, for both yourself and those around you.
The role you occupy in people’s minds and how you leverage that position defines your leadership brand. While we may not all be Tiger Woods, more business leaders should strive to emulate his ability to be ready for victory. By consistently positioning ourselves for success, we serve not only our own interests but those of our teams, businesses, and communities