A Single Penetrating Statement

Today’s show was inspired by a simple statement. The statement was made by Adam Grant, who is a psychologist and author who is currently a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where he specializes in organizational psychology.

I’ve read several of his books and his latest book entitled “Think Again” was our book of the month for March of this year.

Sometimes you hear a statement so profound that if you’re not paying attention it can pass you by. This statement by Adam Grant literally stopped me in my tracks. It was about 6AM and I was listening to a podcast as I waking up. I’m going to paraphrase what he said so it won’t be a direct quote.

Adam said, the reason mature companies do so much better than startups is they can focus on the hard things associated with optimization. Startup companies are so focused on the hard things associated with launching the business.

I heard that statement and had a moment of penetrating clarity.