When it comes leading corporations, CEOs could learn a thing or two from an unlikely source: Fly fishermen.
Although this breed of business consultant operates outside boardrooms and bustling office buildings, their tactics for hooking BIG fish is something every executive could learn from. In the absence of a great fishing hole where we can spend the morning together, we’d like to offer 8 lessons that could help you manage your business right now.
LESSON 1: Understand the River
Before you cast your line, do some scouting along the river. What holes could lead to a big catch? What feed will compete with your line when it comes to bringing fish to your hook? Once you understand the answers to those questions, think about what strategies you will need to reach your potential catch. If you are after Browns, you’ll have to get them off the bottom of the river. If you’re after Brooks, you’ll find them in the shade. Understanding your audience will increase your success.
LESSON 2: Adapt to the Conditions
Determine how internal and external conditions are going to affect your fish population. Then adapt to those conditions. Your strategy is going to change based on sun, snow and other atmospheric conditions. Once you have finally dipped your line in the water, don’t forget to watch the horizon for potential storms that may affect your catch long-term.
LESSON 3: Pursue the BIG Fish
Don’t settle for the little fish. Seek out the largest opportunities and pursue them aggressively. You should focus your time on what matters most and avoid the temptation to settle, or celebrate, mediocrity.
LESSON 4: Choose the Fly Wisely
The best chance for success comes when you learn what the fish want and place it strategically in front of them. Make sure to understand the difference between seasons and what tools are most effective during those times of year.
LESSON 5: Set the Hook and Land the Fish
Once the fish bite, you need to be prepared to set the hook and close the deal. In the business world, this means treating customers right and knowing how to handle concerns as they arise. But unfortunately, not every catch will be the right one. So it’s important to know how to release those fish gently.
LESSON 6: Stay Untangled and out of the Weeds
A pleasant fishing trip can turn troublesome if you allow your line to get tangled in the growth beside the river. If you can’t avoid those obstacles in the first place, recognize them and adapt.
LESSON 7: Remain Patient, Focused and Persistent
If the fish aren’t biting, don’t be afraid to ‘slow down’ and go deeper where needed. Never lose faith. Sometimes the waters will be rough. Sometimes the fish will be sparse. But continue casting with the understanding that success may be only a cast away.
LESSON 8: Know When to Move to the Next Hole
Although persistance is your greatest ally, know when to move to the next fishing hole. The decision can be hard, especially if you’ve devoted a lot of time and attention to that hole. But success will come as you learn to move on, change flies and appeal to a different population.