“I particularly like basketball analogies for business. In basketball, you play both offense and defense in a nanosecond. And, another great comparison, is that you have to pivot to win.”
– Richard K. Davis, Chairman and CEO, U.S. Bancorp (and best banker in America. Hands down.)
With kudos to a new friend, Bob Shaver, for reminding me of the importance of pivoting in business, I reprise a post from 2012.
On the April day in 2012 that I met Richard Davis, he delivered a great speech which included the quote above. Not only true for years before he spoke these words, they are more true than ever today, and this concept of pivoting to win is from a guy who’s bank is winning. Big.
He speaks to the importance of being nimble. Of knowing which foot is planted – the positions you can’t give up – and which foot to move around; in other words, knowing what strategies and tactics are non-negotiable and which are open to alteration.
Even in a “stodgy” industry like banking, the ability to pivot – and to transition from offense to defense in a “nanosecond” – are keys to winning.
Regardless of the industry, pivoting is key to winning.
Bob Shaver says
Thank you!