Chess, a mental game, needs you to play moves that increases the chances of winning the game. Many parallels can be drawn between Chess and Business. Playing against an opponent under the same set of rules with identical figurines moving in restricted areas where there are chances, sacrifices, defence, protection and planning just like it happens in business. You need to have a strategy, take chances, plan moves, and modify all this according to the circumstances and game scenario.
The best strategic move gets you towards the win in chess and towards an accomplished project in business. In one of the companies there was a chess board and chess pieces right in the middle where their business product was displayed. The CEO informed that everyone plays the game and often when they look at the board the pieces have moved or gone just like in business. Or a whole new opportunity opens up which needs a new strategy to move quickly to capitalise on a hole in the market. And you can move quickly because the team has spent time building competitive advantage, a secure supply chain, innovative and extremely efficient manufacturing processes, and secure distribution channels. That’s a calculated, thoughtful strategy.
A CEO with his team needs to create such win-win situation to grow big fast. And one of the strategies that would help here, is delegating the task that is not very important, like taking help of a virtual receptionist service. This is like looking at a chess board from the perspective of competitors, customers, employees and other stakeholders. It’s about doing a mental trade-off analysis to figure the move that will maximise the company’s financial position and brand.
The fundamentals of chess and business take time to learn. But it’s needed in this competitive world where when you can anticipate more of your opponents’ moves, the more control you will have over the game. Thus greater the chance of winning – in business or in chess.