Learning has to lead to action

---

Here at Knoco, we firmly believe that learning needs to lead to action, if you want to be a winning company, or a winning team. We've seen that many times in industry, and it was interesting to hear this reinforced from the sports field.

One of my hobbies is to support Bath Rugby, and my wife and I are season ticket holders at the Recreation Ground. It's been a disappointing season - we've lost too many close games, and finished up in the lower half of the league table; far below where our ambition would take us.

So it was interesting to read an analysis from one of the players this week, which firmly points to a lack of a link between learning and action, as part of the reason behind a poor season.

Here's what Dan Hipkiss (outside centre) has to say

"It's all right saying that you haven't done well, but you've really got to find out why you are not doing that. We've got to be really precise and say 'This is what I'm not doing in a game, this is what I'm not doing very well, this is what you're not doing very well'. We haven't made enough effort to change the bits that we've done badly or the bits that have lost us games. Even if we have identified them, we haven't put them right at the weekend"

Now translate what Dan says into business terms

• You've really got to find out why you are not doing better.
• You've got to be really precise and say 'This is what I'm not doing very well, this is what you're not doing very well'.
• You have to make a real effort to change the bits that you've done badly or the bits that have lost you business.
• And when you have identified them, you  have to put them right

If you do that, in business and in rugby, maybe your business can avoid being in the lower half of the league table, far below where your ambition would take you.

As for Bath Rugby - we will have to see where next season takes us, but with the sort of passion for learning and action that Dan Hipkiss is looking for, then the only way is up!