This week we read the chapter in Extreme Ownership about Believe. You must first believe in the mission you are set out to do. It is interesting because I had recently watched a presentation from Simon Sinek who had discussed how business is often infinite with no defined end. The best companies have their “Why” and everything is focused on that while others focus on things like their competition or their next order rather than define their “Why”. Because of the lack of why, those companies usually suffer.

In regards to sports, we talked about Chicago…..yes Chicago. We discussed the level of “Believe” in two of its famous or infamous stars. What is the difference between Michael Jordan’s believe in winning vs. Jay Cutler’s believe in winning the NFC Championship. We also read a story about New Zealand Buck Shelford’s story to keep the All Blacks undefeated vs. the French. Google it, but be prepared, its pretty wild.

It really brings our challenge of lean and being a lean maniac into focus. Do we really believe in daily 3S? Are our 2 second improvements focused or random? Do we connect processes or take the time to reflect or Hansei on our mistakes and failures? The “Why” can get lost from time to time in these activities because they go on in perpetuity. The challenge is real and I think we are up to the challenge.