In most sporting competition there is little to choose between the top competitors in terms of physical strength, athleticism and indeed inherent talent. The difference between winners and losers often lies in their personal ability to cope with the mental stresses generated by four rounds of golf in a Major tournament or four sets of tennis in a Wimbledon semi-final.
Rory McIlroy’s disastrous collapse in the final round of the Masters at Augusta was interpreted by many as an inability to handle the pressure. While desperately disappointed however, Rory didn’t see it that way and his upbeat never-say-die post-tournament responses won him the admiration of all.
Rory learned. Rory stayed calm and resolute. Rory’s attitude was mature and he went on to win the US Open by a mile.
By contrast, after a tremendous run in Wimbledon Andy Murray was comprehensively defeated – again – by Rafael Nadal. When, after winning the first set, the match started going against him he openly demonstrated a tantrum-led grimacing attitude that was only surpassed by the ungracious surliness of his post-match negative body language and downbeat comments.
Andy repeated the attitudinal mistakes of the past. Andy ranted. Andy’s attitude was juvenile and was a dead giveaway to Nadal – and indeed future opponents - that he was rattled and would crack.
In most business competition there is little to choose between competing companies in terms of product or pricing or service. The difference between winners and losers often lies in the upbeat never-say-die reactions of your sales people and their ability to bounce back from disappointment and go on to make the next big sale with a positive, calm and resolute attitude. Hire Rory; Fire Andy!
2 comments:
Morning Will!
Great to see that you are still about and to have the opportunity of reading your wise comments. I would agree with all that you have stated regarding Andy and Rory. I have no proof, but I believe deep down, that part of Andy's problems lie with the fact that his mother trails after him everywhere. It is possible that she has an unhealthy controlling influence over Andy, who unfortunately, often displays a childish angle to his behaviour. I would say to Andy. "The "old girl" should just to stay at home and just leave Andy to grow up and deal with the wide variety of challenges and disappontments. I also suspect that family life in the Murray household has not been a happy experience for Andy, which contrasts sharply with the positive and happy family life within the McIroy clan. This was clearly demonstrated by the happy family and freinds that were interviewed at Holywood Golf Club by the media post McIroy's fantastic win at the US Open. When have we ever experienced a freindly upbeat response to the media by Andy's XXXXXX Mother?? Andy must ditch that old XXXX Judy!
Rory has learned the phrase "there is no such thing as failure only feedback" - Does Rory learn from his failures - Yes, does Andy - No
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