There's more to winning than finishing first

In my favorite comic strip, "Peanuts," Charlie Brown is walking off the baseball field with Lucy, his head down and totally dejected. Charlie says, "Another ball game lost! Good grief! I get tired of losing. Everything I do, I lose!"

Lucy replies: "Look at it this way, Charlie Brown. We learn more from losing than we do from winning."

To which Charlie replies, "That makes me the smartest person in the world!"

Always the philosopher, Charlie Brown makes a great point. Now his charge is to use some of that knowledge to find a way to win, at least some of the time.

Avid sports fans will remember the legendary Alabama football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, who said, "Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."

Winners always have an idea and look for a way to do it, while losers always have an excuse and look for a way to get out of it. Winners say, "I'll do it!" and "I can." Losers always say, "It's not my job" and "I can't." Winners see an answer to every problem. Losers see a problem for every answer.

That attitude goes beyond sports. It applies through all phases of life.

Winning in business is certainly important, but it's crucial to understand what "winning" truly means. Winning in business doesn't always mean being the biggest or the most profitable. Success can be defined by achieving specific goals, such as customer satisfaction, innovation, market share or employee well-being.

Winning should be about creating long-term value rather than short-term gains. Sustainable growth involves building a solid foundation that ensures continued success over time, rather than just focusing on immediate victories.

In a rapidly changing business environment, adaptability is key. Winning businesses are those that can innovate and adapt to new challenges and opportunities, staying ahead of the competition.

A business that prioritizes its customers is more likely to succeed. Winning in business often means delivering exceptional value and service to customers, which leads to loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

How you win is as important as winning itself. Upholding ethical standards and integrity can enhance a company's reputation and ensure long-term success.

"Winning doesn't always mean being first," said Bonnie Blair, five-time gold medal American speed skater. "Winning means you're doing better than you've done before." 

Strange as it sounds, losing can be part of winning. Businesses that learn from their failures and use them as stepping stones to improve processes and strategies are often the ones that ultimately succeed.

I love to win, whether it's a business success, completing a volunteer project, landing my golf drive on the green, hitting a fundraising goal or even crossing another item off my bucket list.  

And I find that just because I win at something, it doesn't have to mean that someone else loses. One business achievement can inspire those around you to aim higher. When winning becomes part of the culture, the company wins, employees win, customers win and the community wins. In other words, winning can be contagious. 

A football coach, speaking at his college's booster club fundraiser, was having a difficult time avoiding the subject of his team's losing season. He finally decided to make light of his predicament and said, "As you all know, we're not doing too well in our conference. We're not winning any ball games, but you must admit, we are exciting to watch."

With that he proceeded to expound on the virtues of playing the game with enthusiasm versus the need to win. At the program's conclusion, a faithful supporter approached the coach and offered this suggestion: "Why don't you play with a little less hype and win a few games."

Mackay's Moral: In business, winning is not just about beating the competition; it's about achieving your goals with integrity, adaptability and a focus on long-term success.

• • •

Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive." He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing harvey@mackay.com or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.