In recent years there has been a spate of books equating business acumen with strategies derived from famous warrior treatises. The Chinese classic “The Art of War” tops the list with various reincarnations of Ghengis Khan and Attila the Hun following closely. On true examination, there is much in common with martial arts and the business world.
It seems much of the corporate world constantly searches for ways to become ‘learning organizations,’ to share knowledge or to manage knowledge. A number of these concepts do have roots in martial arts. Allow me to share some observations.
Look past the fighting and any martial art is actually a series of proven systems to help learning take place. When a person knows how things will work, it provides a comfort zone and allows an individual the chance to focus on their personal development. Two of the most beneficial systems I found in martial arts classes are usually the way they are started and completed. To begin, the group gathers and follows the instructor in warm up exercises. While the exercises aren't always the same, the system is there. The opening always includes silent meditation. While the littlest of the kids have a hard time sitting still during this, the message is clear - If we want to be focused on our learning task, our minds must be clear. When we are at work or at a learning assignment, we must prepare ourselves mentally and physically for our tasks. While the preparation itself might look quite different as say, a Tae Kwon Do, a karate or a judo class, the benefits are the same.
Perhaps more powerful is the conclusion of each session. The group gathers again and faces the instructor who gives words of praise, encouragement and helps focus the group on future areas to work on. Everyone needs positive feedback.
Secondly, most classes cover a wide range of ages and skill levels. Also, each day the players may change. Rarely do two classes have exactly the same participants. While most people know each other, that's not always true. All of these factors could lead to chaos and ineffectiveness. Do any of these factors begin to sound familiar to you? Is chaos what you've experienced as a result? Chaos is rarely seen at a Tae Kwon Do class. This is largely because those with more skill and experience are willing to lead and teach and help (they are eager to do so - and do without being asked or prompted). Everyone helps in whatever way they can. It is not uncommon to see a junior (under 12) with a higher belt helping an adult with a lower belt. The adult is a willing learner and the junior is an eager teacher – age difference plays no role here, in part because everyone knows what they want to achieve and what it takes to achieve it. (You can't be in the studio long before you see all the belts in order of achievement on the wall. Another similarity with the Trump Network.)
In your groups, teams and organizations there may be factors that make sharing and learning more challenging and rewarding. In the end I believe there are some critical factors we can apply - factors at work at both a Tae Kwon Do studio and the Trump Network.
First, have solid systems - make sure they work and are easy to use (in other words, stick to the plan). Second, have clear beginning and ending processes. Give and welcome feedback. Third, build a community where people care enough to help those around them. Fourth, set clear goals for success and make a difference. Fifth, create (and be) a willing teacher. And finally, create (and be) a willing learner.
There is more that could be said - in fact I could write a lot more than I have - but these critical factors can make the organization you work in and with be more effective and profitable.
To your continued success…
Trump Network – Financial Freedom Investors
