Hitting it out of the park

by Beth Rounds, Cambiar

Recently I went to see the movie “Moneyball,” based on the true story of Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane.  And while I am not a hard core baseball fan, I went because I was intrigued by the story – how a leader (Billy Beane) used statistics and analytics (he was considered the precursor of the trend that has swept the baseball world—sabermetrics) to do the impossible – build a team of no names, win 20 games in a row and change the business of baseball forever.

Much has been written about the story and the broader messages about running a business. I’d like to “hit” a few ideas your way as you plan for 2012 and beyond.

What is so unique about the story?

He faced challenges head-on. The A’s were losing their best players to other teams with large payrolls. Instead of playing victim or ignoring the problem, Beane “claimed it”, found a solution and took a big risk by bringing in an Ivy League economics grad to analyze players stats, replacing the traditional way of assessing and recruiting talent. By caring more about a player’s ability to get on base, Beane challenged conventional wisdom and proved his detractors wrong.

He managed objectively. Prior to this time, scouts assessed players in a substantially more subjective manner. And, while experience and “gut feel” matter in decision making, Beane brought a new dimension to the sport. By analyzing players by the numbers and statistical probabilities, he brought objectivity to the table.

He was transformed as a leader. Billy had the strength of character and courage to stay the course even when his plan didn’t seem to be working.  He evolved as a leader, going from being a distant manager to one that was fully engaged with the sport, his team, and the players.

With much change happening in our industry, we should think more like Beane.  Ask yourself and your leadership team the following questions:

  • Do we understand the changes that are impacting marketing research?
  • Are we able to assess our current state and create a plan going forward?
  • Are we willing to put everything on the table and challenge the status quo?
  • Are we managing by the numbers? Do we know what drives profitable revenue?
  • Do we have the right talent for the future? And if not, how do we create a plan for hiring new talent for this new age?
  • Does our current staff have the right skills to surprise and delight our customers?

Business is about making intelligent choices. And now more than ever we need to challenge conventional wisdom in order to chart a new way forward. Beane chose an unknown and risky path, and in the end he changed his organization, himself, and the industry.  My kind of leader!  Your’s too?

Would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.  Contact me at: beth@consultcambiar.com

Additional resources related to this topic:

http://www.affinnova.com/blog/bid/106401/Transformation-is-Not-an-Option

http://www.fastcompany.com/1794118/8-strategies-to-fight-ordinary

http://www.fastcompany.com/1794942/how-to-be-distinctive-christian-louboutin-shoes