Using the business s-word--strategy--for sports

Mention the s-word -- strategy -- and thoughts go immediately to business issues and the boardroom. Strategy is easily used in the business context but it is just as easily ignored, forgotten, or possibly not even considered in the sports environment if the s-word -- strategy is mentioned in sports, typically it is in reference to upper management or the owners. Then, the objective is dollars and cents -- maximizing gate receipts, holding costs in line, and returning profit on investment Yet, strategy can be applied on the fleld/on-court/on-ice; the tactics of strategy are just as relevant in the sports arena as in the business arena. When business managers talk strategy, the ultimate goal is being unique from the competition. Winning in the marketplace is the objective -- whether it is winning marketshare or winning customers. For sports managers, winning is also the goal -- whether it is being number one or improving on past performances. The lessons learned from business strategy can be applied to tactics on the sports field. However, organization writers and theorists have largely ignored the parallel (Peatling, 2005). Making the link, some may say. is not realistic, as the outcome would be that "oil and water mix" -- sports on the field/court/ice are not the same as business in the workplace. On the other hand, strategy may be the element that a coach or manager is missing from sports play. if strategy is used for winning in the business arena, then consider that the same principles have a place when looking for the competitive edge on the sports field/court/ice. This paper reviews basic strategy tactics and makes suggestions about applying the fundamentals to the competitive sports team.