Flexibility
Be adaptable and responsive to exploit changes in the environment. When required, pivot to a new offering, business model or organisational structure.
The military principle of Flexibility refers to the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and respond effectively to unexpected events. This principle involves having the ability to quickly adjust plans and tactics to respond to new challenges and opportunities.
Sports clubs operate in dynamic and rapidly changing environments, where being able to adapt quickly is essential for survival and growth. This is often a strength of small businesses making it critical that you bring this strength to bear against competition that overmatch you in other areas.
Flexibility can be enhanced by several factors, including:
Agile decision making. A smaller club will often have a competitive advantage over larger businesses as they have inherently have more agile decision making processes. With the decision maker being closer to the decision implementer (often the same person) and the member, they have an immediate and greater appreciation of the situation on the ground. This allows you to be flexible by being agile and responsive to new opportunities. For instance, you can quickly pivot your business model or develop income streams to take advantage of emerging trends or market niches gaining a first mover advantage.
Shorter planning horizons. Your choice of planning horizons are also important. The more dynamic the environment, the shorter the time frames. It is not unusual to have planning horizons of three months rather than the dictated 12 months of a calendar year or season.
Embedded organisational vision. Having a strong organisational vision allows you to exploit opportunities as they arise without being disingenuous to your cause.
By adopting the principle of Flexibility, you can exploit your agility by responding to changing circumstances as they evolve thus increasing your chances of success. It allows you to be more adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and uncertainty and gain a first mover advantage by responding to consumer desires.
“Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.” Confucian/Zen principle