Strategic Inflection Points

Andy Grove wrote about the Strategic Inflection Points (SIP) in his book "Only the Paranoid Survive". Its an old book but I think it contains a timeless principles that we can all learn from.

Long story short, organizations go through various SIP and what they do during and afterwards determine a large part of whether they will survive or not.

To relate it to personal experiences; its pretty much the same for individuals. Three short pointers for today:

1) Anticipative: it is one skill that if we master it will give us that significant leverage over many others. To prepare and train yourself for the SIP to happen. Just like what John Wooden said, "when the opportunity arrives it is already too late". So ask yourself how can you prepare and train yourself?

2) Seize the day: when you are well-prepared and the opportunity shows itself, be sure to act and act fast and decisively. Show no hesitation and move like a general would when the battle is fought.

3) Learn the lessons: no one can win every battle. What's more important is that we learn the lessons that come with it. Don't fall into the category of people who wonder what happened. Reflect and ask how else can you do it differently. It always start with self.

That said, it is my reflection of Chapter 3 of Leadership Gold on "defining moments".

Your friend,
Melvyn
(Sent from my Blackberry Bold)