4 Business Lessons From The French Open
The world’s most elite tennis players are facing a challenge, and business leaders might want to pay attention.
This expert opinion by Louise K. Allen, Chief Product Officer at Planview, was originally published on Inc.com.
The French Open, which began last week, holds a special place in the tennis world. Upon its induction into the Majors in 1925, the tournament quickly carved out a reputation for being uniquely challenging, even for the most dominant names in tennis history. Neither John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, nor Venus Williams, for example, has managed to take home a French title despite multiple victories at the other Grand Slam events.
The reason is no mystery. The French Open is unique among Grand Slam tournaments in a few different ways. It’s played on a clay court. For those who are unfamiliar with the nuances of the sport, that means the ball moves more slowly and bounces higher. Sets last longer, and it takes more rallies on average to score a point.
The French Open is also longer by design. Players must win longer matches to clinch this particular title. It’s a grueling test of endurance and versatility, widely regarded as the most physically demanding competition elite tennis has to offer. The players who shine under these conditions are a rare breed. Those who have come to rely on powerful serves and quick volleys struggle to maintain their edge, often getting eliminated from the competition well before the final matches.
As a former player myself, I can’t help but see parallels between stepping onto Roland Garros’s red clay foundation and business leaders who now find themselves on an unfamiliar court, watching time-tested strategies fall short. After all, the business landscape has changed significantly over the past 20 years. The market most leaders now face stands in stark contrast to the one in which they cut their teeth.
Like players hoping to take home one of the French Open’s coveted trophies and continue their road to the elusive Grand Slam, leaders now need to adhere to a few business lessons:
Embrace Change.
In both tennis and business, admitting that the strategies that have worked so far may not apply anymore is the first step to success. Just as a player stays open to adjustments in play as they uncover an opponent’s tactics or the unique qualities of the court surface, leaders must be willing to pivot as new market pressures and challenges emerge.
Stay Open To Feedback.
Even the best players in the world can improve their game, and they do so continuously, guided by constructive criticism from coaches and peers. The best leaders share this openness to listen and learn. Staying receptive to feedback from peers, customers, and employees who may have more experience in markets like the one we now face can help highlight ways to improve performance and planning.
Cultivate Endurance And Resilience.
For many players, the unique court surface is enough to make the French Open title out of reach. For others, it’s the extended wear and tear of grueling matches that gets in the way. Today’s leaders must keep in mind that—while we might hope uncertainty is a sprint—there could be a marathon ahead. Cultivating personal endurance and organizational resilience will help leaders continue to push forward even when setbacks and obstacles arise.
Play To Their Strengths.
Though adaptability is crucial, shying away from your unique strengths—or those of your business—can be more detrimental than helpful. Even when facing a challenge like the French Open, experienced tennis players know that trying to mimic someone else’s play style is a losing battle. They find ways to combine what they bring to the match with strategies that complement the court they’re playing on. Business leaders facing unfamiliar markets must approach strategic planning in the same way, adjusting their approach to the environment without moving too far away from the organization’s core value proposition.
Whether you’re a tennis lover or not, I encourage you to tune in as the French Open continues to unfold and reflect on the lessons the sport—and this particular tournament—has to offer. Its unique challenges and the perseverance of the players despite them serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of adaptability on the court, in personal lives, and in offices and boardrooms. As you watch, consider how you will rise to the challenge ahead. Will you refine your approach to conquer the unique challenges of the clay or allow unfamiliar terrain to get between you and your goals?
