What business can learn from sports strategies and data-driven approaches

We at Navigator love sport. Watching, practicing and seeing the positive impact it has on youth and integration. Beyond that, we also see connections in our everyday work. At first glance, sport and business may seem like two different worlds. But if we look at them more closely, especially through the lens of ice hockey, it becomes clear that both fields share many common denominators: the pursuit of success, clear goals, roles and responsibilities, and strategic decisions that need to be constantly adjusted.

Clear goals and nuanced KPIs: Keeping your eye on the puck

The difference lies in how these two worlds apply their methods, and there is much they can learn from each other. For example, by combining the long-term business thinking of business with the meticulous preparation, data analysis and training of ice hockey, both disciplines can be even more successful. In both ice hockey and business, goal setting plays a crucial role. For a hockey team, it's clear: every game is about winning, but to get there, the goal is broken down into sub-goals - such as winning puck possession, creating more chances or keeping a high intensity during the power play. Businesses also set goals - often in the form of market share, sales figures or profitability targets. But ice hockey goes a step further with its KPIs.

Modern ice hockey teams measure a wealth of data: heart rate, movement patterns, intensity, shot placement, tackles and power-play efficiency. This rigorous data collection allows teams to adjust and fine-tune their strategies in real time. In business, KPIs are also used to measure success, but often in a more holistic way (with the exception of e-commerce/tech), where efforts are usually evaluated weekly or monthly rather than minute-by-minute. Here, businesses can learn a lot from ice hockey. By embracing more granular, real-time measurements of both individual and collective performance, companies can become better at adapting quickly to change and optimizing their strategies in an ever-changing business environment.

Role distribution and flexibility: The right person in the right position - and the ability to change places

Ice hockey is a sport where roles are clearly defined, from goalkeeper to backs and forwards. Each player has a specific responsibility that contributes to the team's success. A coach makes sure that everyone understands their roles and how they can maximize their contribution. At the same time, there is flexibility; a forward may sometimes need to act as a defender, depending on the situation on the ice.

In business, role allocation is also key, but flexibility is often less clear. Just as a hockey team can quickly change its tactics depending on the evolution of the game, businesses should be prepared to quickly reorganize their resources and adapt their teams. In a rapidly changing market, having employees who can wear multiple hats and switch roles when the situation demands it is a strength. Ice hockey's ability to combine clear roles with dynamic collaboration and adaptation is a valuable lesson for business.

Meticulous preparation: studying competitors as opponents on the ice

One of ice hockey's greatest strengths lies in the meticulous preparation for each game. Teams study opponents in detail: how they play, their strengths and weaknesses, specific playing patterns and key players. Each aspect is analysed to create tactics that exploit the opponent's weak points and neutralize their strengths.

In the business world, competitors are also studied, but often at a more general level. There is a great opportunity here to learn from the systematic and detail-oriented methods of ice hockey. Companies can benefit greatly from analyzing competitors' behaviors, market strategies, and weaknesses in a more rigorous way - not just through broad market analysis, but by creating tactics that directly respond to competitors' specific strengths and weaknesses, just as hockey teams do before a game.

Training and development: Prioritizing continuous improvement

Ice hockey players train intensively and systematically to constantly improve their physical, technical and mental skills. In addition to daily training on the ice, they also work on their physical fitness, strength and mental preparation by visualizing the game and mentally preparing for pressure situations.

Businesses often tend to focus more on 'business as usual', with formal training sessions or skills development taking place sporadically. Here, companies can learn an important lesson from the training culture of ice hockey. Instead of seeing development as a secondary activity, companies should create a training culture where continuous skills development and improvement are at the center. By investing in regular training and updating their employees' skills, companies can stay competitive and be prepared for future challenges - in the same way that hockey players are ready for whatever happens on the ice. It should be said, however, that business is increasingly embracing the mental aspect of visualizing success, especially at the management level.

Real-time feedback: Adjust your strategy while the game is in progress

In ice hockey, feedback is a constant process. Coaches and players discuss the game in real time and adjust their tactics on the fly. Any change on the ice can lead to an immediate adjustment, and it is this agility and ability to react quickly to events that often separates winning teams from losing ones.

In the business world, feedback and evaluation usually take place at a slower pace, through weekly or monthly meetings. Or, unfortunately, not at all. Changes take longer to implement, which means that companies sometimes lose their competitiveness before they have time to act. This is where business can benefit from the ice hockey culture of real-time feedback. By creating faster decision-making processes and implementing a system of continuous feedback, companies can be more proactive, adjust their strategies on the fly, and be as agile as a hockey team that quickly changes its game when the opponent changes its pattern.

Mentally and physically prepared: Holistic leadership for long-term success

In ice hockey, mental and physical preparation is as important as technical training. Dealing with pressure, recovering from setbacks and building mental strength are central to every player. Mental coaching, meditation and strategies to stay focused under stress are tools that help players perform under high pressure.

Business has much to learn from this holistic approach. Companies should ensure that both the mental and physical health of their employees are in focus. Stress management, recovery and creating a psychologically safe work environment should be priority objectives. A company where employees are mentally equipped for challenges and have the opportunity to recover properly will be able to perform better over time, just like an ice hockey team that receives the right mental support.

Conclusions: A winning combination of data, training and flexibility

The world of ice hockey demonstrates a systematic approach and preparation that the business world has much to learn from. By combining the long-term planning and strategic thinking of the business world with ice hockey's rigorous use of data, meticulous preparation and quick adjustments, companies can achieve greater agility, flexibility and success. Ultimately, it's about building a culture of continuous improvement, where feedback is given in real time, preparation is thorough and goals are clear. Just as the ice hockey team wins through collaboration, flexibility and training, businesses can take the step towards long-term success by applying the same principles.

If you want to know more about how your company can benefit from acting and thinking like a hockey team (including going to the game) or if you are curious about other strategic opportunities, you are welcome to contact us.