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Andre Agassi Had the Wrong Big Goal

Guest post by: David Carter

Article Overview: Critics are calling Andre Agassi's autobiography, entitled Open: An Autobiography, the best sports biography ever written given Agassi's candor. He has always hated tennis, lied about his drug use, wore a wig when he had long hair, etc. A major turning point in his career was when he realized he was pursuing the wrong long-term goal (BHAG) for himself …

Andre Agassi Had the Wrong Big Goal

Critics are calling Andre Agassi's autobiography, entitled Open: An Autobiography, the best sports biography ever written given Agassi's candor. He has always hated tennis, lied about his drug use, wore a wig when he had long hair, etc. A major turning point in his career was when he realized he was pursuing the wrong long-term goal (BHAG) for himself.

The term "Big Hairy Audacious Goal" (BHAG) was coined by Jim Collins author of Good to Great. It represents that big long term vision you have for your company. It is audacious without being braggadocios, at least 10-20 years out in the future, and reinforces your business principles. It represents what you are most passionate about, what you can be the best at, and what drives your economic engine. Your BHAG drives key decisions as you grow your business. Have you focused on your BHAG lately?

Now, as an example, let's get back to Andre Agassi. Rather than pursue winning the most Grand Slams, he focused on winning a Career Grand Slam (all four majors), something only one other player at the time, Rod Laver, had ever achieved.

This change in goals changed everything -- his training, scheduling, and focus. And with his Olympic Gold win in 1996, he's the ONLY player in history to win the Career Golden Slam -- all four majors and the Olympics.

This made me rethink my BHAG during our planning session this month. Are you pursuing the right BHAG for you and your company? Is your BHAG big enough and driving you in the right direction?

Contact David Paul Carter to learn more about how a BHAG drives your business and is key to your success.

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Article Tags: BHAG, goals, strategy



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