3 Things Swinging Naturally Taught me about Strategic Alliances

For years I've tortured myself with mechanical swing thoughts; rotate, cock the wrist, start with the hips, square the face, swing through and out, follow through tall, etc. My pro pulled me aside a few weeks ago and suggested a different approach. "Just swing away and smash it. No plan, no thoughts."

I promptly snap hooked a bomb well off the range and across the 9th fairway. To my surprise, he exclaimed, "Great, that was it!!!" He had me hit a few more shots with no thoughts. I hooked them all. The consistency was shocking and disappointing at first. Then he made two simple changes rotating my grip and moving the ball back in my stance. "Go ahead David, NO THOUGHTS." I started nuking 270+ yard, straight, and lofted drives. The consistency was shocking and hugely gratifying.

It turns out I had a good swing; I had just been stuck with some old mechanical bandages from when I didn't. On the drive home, I started thinking about what my pro had taught me and how it applied to some alliances I was working on.

Three lessons emerged from that day on the golf course that have surprisingly profound applications beyond golf:

1. Strategic Alliances Should Come Naturally: In golf, I was overthinking my swing, and it led to poor results. The same can happen in business relationships. Overcomplicating alliances with too many terms, conditions, or expectations can hinder their effectiveness. Just like my pro advised me to swing away, sometimes it's best to let alliances evolve naturally. When you build partnerships with trust and shared goals, you're more likely to create a strong, mutually beneficial connection. Don't force it; let it flow.

2. Set Up the Partnership for Success: My pro didn't just tell me to stop overthinking my swing; he also made crucial adjustments to my grip and stance. These small changes had a significant impact on my performance. Similarly, in business alliances, it's vital to set up the partnership for success from the beginning. Clearly define your goals, roles, and responsibilities. Communicate openly and honestly about expectations and potential challenges. Providing a strong foundation ensures that the alliance has the best chance to thrive.

3. Do the Right Things, and You'll Get the Right Results: Once I had made the grip and stance adjustments, my golf game improved dramatically. I didn't need to overthink my swing; I just needed to do the right things. This principle applies directly to strategic alliances. If you focus on doing the right things within the partnership—fulfilling your commitments, maintaining transparency, and working collaboratively—you're more likely to achieve the right results.

Success in alliances often comes from consistent effort, shared values, and a commitment to mutual growth.

Keep your partnership simple and natural, set up your strategic alliances for success, and always focus on doing the right things. Whether you're chasing birdies or business goals, these principles can help you achieve success in any endeavor.