Are you a stuntman?

Most people will break a bone if they slip and fall on a sidewalk, but a stuntman would spring to his feet unharmed.  Two factors make the difference and teach an important lesson for business and life.

Surprise vs. Expectation
People injured by falls were surprised by their fall.  They didn't see it coming and their surprise contributes to their inadequate response. 

Stuntmen are never surprised by a fall.  Not only do they expect to fall, they plan for it, rehearse it, and initiate it when the time comes. 

Stopping the fall vs. Starting to land
The first reaction of people injured by a fall is often a futile attempt to prevent it.  They slip on the stairs and flail around wildly trying to grab the railing.  This prevents them from preparing to land which, in turn, causes awkward landings and injuries.

Stuntmen, by contrast, never try to stop their fall.  They know the truth of the old joke, "It's not the fall that kills you, it's the sudden stop." That's why the instant the fall begins, they shift their focus to landing properly.  Though their fall often appears more dangerous, the result is safer.

Please try this at home
Businesses that don't expect to fall, never prepare to land.  But if you survey history you realize that every business falls eventually.  No one is immune. 

Expect to fall.  Actively look for the things that might trip you up.  Avoid them if you can, but also decide how you will land should the fall prove unavoidable.  The courageous among you might even initiate the fall.  If you do, then you'll be the first in your industry to land on your feet and best prepared for your next scene.  Spread the fire. GS

Comments

[Yuval]

Had to share this video with freinds on Facebook under:
Klahn: "Take him out to be tortured."
The American spy: "There's nothing you can do to me to make me talk."
Klahn: "Take him to Detroit!"

And that probably touches on all business must fall at some stage...