Saturday, January 26, 2008

Level With Me

Naval ships were judged in twenty-four categories, ranging from Level One to Level Four depending on performance. The Benfold's captain noted that his rival on a fellow ship aimed for Level One. Indeed, to gain higher was a taxing effort. In fact it was virtually impossible for the senior officers to oversee all the testing areas.

So Abrashoff delegated leadership to junior officers.

As the Level Four ratings started rolling in, the skipper of another ship ordered his crew to shoot for the same.

"But you can't 'order' an outstanding performance. You have to plan, enable, nurture, and focus on it."

I probably spent ten hours this week preparing the Jazz for their surprising victory. To reach the next level, preparation succeeds where yelling fails.

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