Well, another NHL amateur draft was completed over the weekend. As it happens every year, a lot of hopes seem to be riding on the selection of particular individuals. At least that’s how things are interpreted in the media and by hockey fans. It’s probably the same in a lot of other pro sports, but I can’t think of another pro sport where so much emphasis is put on the amateur draft. Major League Baseball held its amateur draft about 2 weeks ago, and there 50 rounds. With 30 or so teams, that means 1,500 players were selected. That means only a few will make to the big leagues, and even less will have actual major league careers.
As any talent scout will tell you, they are looking for raw talent and athletic ability, a certain physiognomy, and pure endurance to be able to adopt the gruelling schedule and the professional work ethic required to make it all the way. Hockey is no different. But there are so many imponderables: health, injury, family background, friends and acquaintances, coaching staff and support, team location. Those who do make it to the pros show resolve and the ability to transform their natural talents and abilities into long term strengths through development and practice.
Professional sports teams require a steady stream of recruits and prospects so they can keep their teams strong over the long term. You don’t build a contender over night, and you certainly can’t build one through trades and free agent signings, although many team managers have tried to do just that.
In business it’s the same thing. You need to constantly be on the lookout for talented potential employees, whether they are young or already established. You also need a stable of new products and services, new ideas to feed the mill of innovation. Finally, you need to have new clients and markets coming on stream. It’s okay to specialize, but you still need to see business – and life in general – as a game of averages. Luck – good and bad, depending on your perspective – will always play a role. Only by having backups and backups to the backups will you have the depth and resiliency to build your business success for the long term.
© 2011 Richard Martin. Reproduction and quotes permitted for non-commercial purposes with full and proper attribution.