dispatches from the new world of work

100 Ways to Succeed #27:

OUT-STUDY THE BASTIDS!

Tennis coach Brad Gilbert was once the #4 ranked pro in the world. He was not a natural. His breakthrough, after a very spotty career about to tank, came when he acknowledged to himself that he wasn't a natural. His response could have been to turn in his racquet. Instead it was to hit the books. Or, rather, write one.

Gilbert was the guy, who when the other guys went for a beer after a match, hung around watching more matches, talking tennis with anyone and everyone ... and writing it all down. He began his black book, and took notes on everything, especially other players he'd faced, or might face. The result: that eventual #4 ranking, and then a superb coaching career, working with the likes of Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick.

No surprise, one of Gilbert's coaching secrets is continuing his own studies, as well as converting his players into Students (sometimes no mean feat with those "naturals"). Coach Gilbert acknowledges that there may well be a few, like John McEnroe, who can get away without hitting the books ... but for us mortals that's scant consolation.

Needless to say, all this translates one-for-one, to the World of Work you and I participate in. I loved the line from New York Times columnist Tom Friedman: "When I was growing up, my parents used to say to me: 'Finish your dinner—people in China are starving.' I, by contrast, find myself wanting to say to my daughters: 'Finish your homework—people in China and India are starving for your job.'" Age 12, 22, or 62 ... tennis or finance or engineering ... this "simple" lesson bears repeating.

Tom Peters posted this on 11/17/04.

Comments

Here is an article to prove that those 18-24 year olds outside the US are going to take over:

http://www.itfacts.biz/index.php?id=P2036

Talk about putting facts to what you have been telling everyone, Tom!

Posted by Snorkelbuddy at November 17, 2004 12:13 PM

Dr. T. - I believe Curt Schilling has the same career/detail-love as Brad - he apparently records and/or has on video every pitch / every batter, and so forth - who does he pitch for now - tendon challenged and all - could it be the World champion Red Sox perhaps?!

Curt is probably somehow an expert on surgery also!

Posted by Freeman at November 17, 2004 1:36 PM

Actually I disagree "with the finish you homework.. " statement!! The curve of eduction has to swing into a totally different direction!! The value stream on edcuation has to drastically change. They have to be taught how to colur outside the box.. Or Like someone once said, we need to Impower the kids to "BOLDLY ask for the crayons again"..thats the only diffentator. No amount of studies can get us past that curve, as the peeps in India/china etc already are doing the best of R&D in every facet of the labs, they have the best education and infrastucture. Their brains are equal to ours. Out study them is only trying to raise the bar.. make something 'idoitproof'- the world will make a better 'idoit' !!The sweet intersection of creativity and innovations is what we need too find, to get back into the main stream of life...and thats the only way to outfox the basdits! Keep searching for just that right combo of various elements to discover that 'sweet spot'. Will it happen in this century or not ?? Who knows.. till then NorthAmerica's/EU will be playing catchup only..!!! Its .5B Popultion (inthe America's/EU) vs 2.8B EastSide !! Go figure..who has the better chances of setting the standards... !!!

Posted by /pd at November 17, 2004 1:37 PM

Brad Gilbert was perhaps not the most natural tennis player but he was a consummate competitor. He never moved with the natural grace of a McEnroe. In fact, he almost seemed out of place on the court but man did he fight! His drive and determination allowed him to triumph over many superior players. His career would certainly be a metaphor for those who think that their talent and skill will always prevail. You also have to fight!

Posted by walter white at November 17, 2004 5:17 PM

Walter: BG acknowledges that his RAW competitiveness per se took him farther than his natural skills. Nonetheless, and competitiveness notwithstanding, he ran flat into a stone wall as he moved toward the top, then came to an abrupt halt. That's when he turned to student-hood ... and soared to #4.

Posted by tom peters at November 18, 2004 4:23 AM

Freeman: That's right about Schilling. Orel Hersheiser (sp?), a great Dodgers pitcher for years, was a pioneer; he apparently sat in the dugout, 15 years ago, with his laptop (about 25 pounds probably, then), charting and recording intricate analyses of every batter. I think I've also read that Pete Rose was also a great student of the game.

Posted by tom peters at November 18, 2004 4:27 AM

I have this written in my study.

"CONTINUE LEARNING LONG AFTER YOU HAVE STOPPED STUDYING".

Its because of this I visit this blog daily even though I am roughly atleast 20 years younger than most of you.

Posted by Sridhar Pandurangiah at November 18, 2004 6:05 AM

Tom: Good point about the student-hood. His learning allowed him maximize his abilities to an even higher level. I think there is another lesson here in that BG was not TAUGHT his lessons by someone else but rather LEARNED them by studying things himself. Learning in this context would maximze speed and effectiveness because he could apply that learning to a system (himself and his abilities) that he knew better than anyone else.

Posted by walter white at November 19, 2004 3:15 PM