Randori - Keep Moving

In Aikido the term Randori refers to a form of practice in which a defender defends himself against multiple attackers in quick succession without knowing how they will attack or in what order. Randori implies fast movement, quick footwork and difficulty catching the defender. In business terms it means don't get stuck with one problem, keep moving and be comfortable with multiple challenges coming at you from different directions all at once.

Certainty And Influence

Whenever you are trying to persuade someone you must know that in any interaction the person who is most certain will influence the other. That is why preparation is of uttermost importance. Knowledge of the subject matter as well as experience and time to reflect on the subject beforehand. The one who is best prepared often wins! Conclusion for persuaders; "Know thy stuff!"

Stay Close To The Key Issue

To be successful it is good advice to stay close to the strategic key issues or key initiatives of your customers and of your boss. In professional organizations the key issues usually revolve around cash flow and profitability. It's a much easier sell once you understand the customers situation in detail. Ask your customers (and your boss) what is most important to them and help them solve their key issue.

What You Do After

Success is usually a result of hard work. Your successes in life are in direct proportion to what you do after you do what you have to do. A forty hour work week is basically for sustenance and survival. Executives and high level professionals work at least fifty hours per week and entrepreneurs even more. If you work hard and are good at what you do you will succeed eventually.

A Little Bit Better

Last year Tiger Woods won the Golf PGA-tour. He made 41x the amount of money compared to the 200:th player on the tour. Now, is Tiger Woods 41 times better than this other guy? No hardly, he is just a little bit better all the time. As a matter of fact he is three shots better over eighteen holes, 69 versus 72 on average. You see, to win you just need to be a little bit better.

The Five Organizational Powers

In an organization there are different types of power bases; first is the power to reward, then the power to coerce - to punish. (We often call them "the carrot and the stick") Thirdly is the power of position or legitimate power, next is expert power based on specialized knowledge and finally reference power, the power of influence and respect. As you reach through the ranks there is a natural progression of these power bases in an organization.

Continuous Action

There is this old saying; "If you want something done, ask a busy man." Why is it that busy people get more done than others, seemingly with spare capacity at hand? The secret is continuous action, the law of momentum. Get started and get going and stay moving. This is a tremendous way to increase your value creation ability and throughput.