It's singles, not home runs, that win games. The solo homer might please a crowd, but it's the two or three guys who hit singles before the slugger knocks one over the fence that gives the team an unbeatable score. In our business dealings, we too aim for the fence and judge our performance accordingly. Remember, winning scores are earned by going out there, day after day, hitting singles. It takes practice.
Baseball players take batting practice regularly.
Yet, in business, we expect to know how to do everything right the first time. We think we should be capable, if not an expert, the first time we go on a sales call, set up a computer system, manage an employee. If multimillion-dollar baseball players need practice, don't be surprised that you do too. Watch the competition. You win games by concentrating on your own playing, but it certainly helps the more you know about your competitor.