In the whirlwind of innovation, novelty, and constant change, let's take a moment to honor the bedrock of any successful endeavor - the basics. As we continue to reach for the stars, it's essential to remember that the launchpad for any great achievement starts with mastering the fundamentals.

Legendary sports coaches like John Wooden and Vince Lombardi provide timeless examples of the enduring relevance of the basics. Wooden, famously known as the "Wizard of Westwood," emphasized the importance of mastering the fundamentals to his players. His first lesson wasn't about complex basketball strategies, but rather about properly putting on socks and sneakers. As basic as it gets, but this approach underlined Wooden's belief that getting the fundamentals right was the key to success.

Vince Lombardi, another iconic figure in the realm of sports, began each season with a clear and simple message: "Gentlemen, this is a football." Despite the victories and accomplishments of the previous season, Lombardi ensured that the focus on the basics was never lost, an approach that earned him a place amongst the most successful football coaches in NFL history.

In the corporate world, we find similar echoes. Take Alan Mulally, the former CEO of Ford, who is credited with one of the most remarkable turnarounds in business history. Mulally's approach was built on a relentless emphasis on the basics. He introduced a straightforward plan known as "One Ford," simplified the company's product line, focused on the core brand, and emphasized teamwork and clear, honest communication. He understood that the path to a sustainable future began with getting back to the fundamentals.

In the field of leadership development, few are as respected as Marshall Goldsmith. His philosophy, often encapsulated in his famous phrase "What got you here won't get you there," focuses on the basic yet profound understanding that successful leaders must constantly learn, grow, and adapt. Goldsmith's teachings remind us that self-awareness, feedback, and a willingness to change – the basics of personal growth – are vital to leadership success.

The basics may not be glamorous. They may not provide the thrill of the new, the innovative, or the cutting edge. But once we lose sight of these, the appeal of the exciting and the novel begins to wane. The basics are not just the foundation; they are the pillars that uphold the structure of greatness.

So here's to embracing and perfecting the basics, each day. As we strive for the next exciting goal or innovative breakthrough, let's remember to ground ourselves in the fundamentals. After all, it's the ordinary that fuels the extraordinary.

By Dean Miles

Keywords: Business Continuity, Coaching, Mental Health