Turns and Turnaround  Negotiating a turn in the Indianapolis 500 requires the same set of skills needed to succeed in today’s business race. Unlike what we were taught in driver’s ed classes or by an anxious parent sitting in the passenger seat, don’t slow down going into a turn. Precious energy is wasted, momentum is sacrificed and a hard-won position is lost when a commitment to winning is reduced.

Not only should speed be maintained going into a turn but increased half way through the turn. In fact, if we want to maintain control of our vehicle and avoid the forces of inertia that will drag us back with the rest of the pack we need to increase our speed just to hold our place in line. Here is where the similarities between driving a race car and running a business grow even stronger.

The time to put the pedal to the metal is coming out of the turn, before those who will wait until the turn is over and they can see a clear straight a way ahead. The reason the track ahead will be clear is that those who have accelerated into the turn are so far ahead, all that’s left is empty space.

Preparing for Destiny  Races are won and careers are built by applying the fundamental principles of racing to the facts of life. By understanding that success is a by-product of anticipation, preparation, implementation and commitment, winning on your own terms is inevitable.

In a pre-race interview, the Indianapolis 500’s highest finishing female driver Danica Patrick told an ESPN reporter, “Today’s race cars are designed to be safer at speeds higher than many drivers are comfortable driving. Driving slower can actually be more dangerous.”

Successful racing teams prepare for that success by getting ready to win long before race day. Every aspect and component of preparation is addressed, reviewed, evaluated and when judged worthy, implemented with the highest level of talent and expertise available. The earlier the preparation the better the chance for success. The sooner key players are identified and brought on board the more focused the strategy and the more economical the recommended tactics are to implement.

Closing Window  While patience may be a virtue in many endeavors, waiting too long before stepping on the gas will sometimes defer success to the next race, if there is one.

Essex Two has designed and implemented several communication planning tools and procedures designed to prepare, package and present the messages of our clients to their audiences in ways that promote understand, appreciation and participation. We have designed and built communication vehicles and brands that respond quickly to change in conditions and grow better and more confident with each competition.

Guided by our process of Design by Objectives,™ Essex Two helps its clients identify what is important to them and why it is also important to their customers. Visit the Essex Two website for case studies that demonstrate our ability to stimulate the success of our clients.

Worth your time:  Human Dynamics: A New Framework for Understanding People and Realizing the Potential in Our Organizations is a fascinating overview of how we function and interact with one another. The work of Dr. Sandra Seagal and David Horne, Human Dynamics offers a “systemic approach to the complexities and wonders of how we process information, learn, communicate, maintain well-being, respond to stress and develop as human beings, both individually and collectively.” These ideas represent the next generation of understanding how relationships of all kinds act and interact with each other. You can’t help but come away with insight. Available at humandynamics.com.