To Win or to Become a Success in Sports and Beyond
Tai-il Lee, the former President of NC Dinos, recently shared an insightful social media post featuring an old memo. He delved into the nuanced difference between simply winning a game and nurturing a truly successful baseball club. This distinction is crucial for understanding the broader scope of success in any competitive field.
Winning a baseball game is straightforward: the team with the most runs at the end of the 9th inning generally claims victory. However, as someone who has been close to the front office of professional baseball teams and as a fractional owner of a club in the Austrian professional football league, I’ve learned that true success encompasses more than just winning games.
In my view, key factors such as player development, fan engagement, financial stability, and team culture are instrumental to a baseball organization’s success. Investing in a robust farm system and player development program is essential. This means not only refining the skills of young players but also caring for their physical and mental well-being.
Engaging with fans and the local community is equally vital. Outreach programs, charity events, and fan engagement initiatives help build a loyal fanbase and a positive public image. Furthermore, no professional team can overlook effective financial management, including smart budgeting, prudent investments, and revenue generation strategies. These practices ensure the long-term stability and resources necessary for nurturing talent and maintaining facilities.
Perhaps most importantly, cultivating a positive and inclusive team culture is critical. This culture should be built on strong leadership, clear communication, and an emphasis on teamwork and respect. Under Tai-il Lee’s leadership, NC Dinos not only won the Korean Series in the Korean professional baseball league but also exemplified these values.
In his post, Lee stressed the importance of being a good person and team player. This, he believes, is the foundation of a successful team. Winning a championship does not automatically render a team successful in the broader sense. I resonate with this perspective, both as a serial entrepreneur and an early-stage company founder. After business setbacks, I’ve often reflected on my leadership and team contributions. Tai-il Lee’s memo reinforces the idea that success is about more than just winning; it’s about building something meaningful and sustainable.
This philosophy is exemplified by players like Shohei Ohtani, known for his habit of picking up trash in the field. Stemming from a high school lesson, this practice reflects a deeper understanding of responsibility and fortune. Similarly, in the world of startups, winning over customers and stakeholders is crucial, but building a successful enterprise is about more than just victory. It’s about laying a foundation that ensures lasting success and positive impact, in sports and beyond.
