“Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?” is a powerful philosophy and book that originated from the inspiring journey of Olympic gold medalist Ben Hunt-Davis and his rowing team. This simple yet profound question became the guiding principle that led them to victory at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The book, co-authored by Hunt-Davis and executive coach Harriet Beveridge, explores how this focused approach can be applied to achieve success in various aspects of life, from sports to business and personal goals.
At its core, the philosophy encourages individuals and teams to evaluate every decision and action against a singular, overarching objective. By constantly asking, “Will it make the boat go faster?”, Hunt-Davis and his team were able to streamline their efforts, eliminate distractions, and ultimately achieve their goal of winning an Olympic gold medal.
| Key Concept | Application |
|---|---|
| Focused Decision-Making | Evaluate choices based on goal alignment |
| Goal-Oriented Mindset | Maintain clear focus on primary objective |
| Performance Optimization | Identify and prioritize actions for improvement |
The Origin and Significance
The genesis of “Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?” can be traced back to a pivotal moment in Ben Hunt-Davis’s rowing career. After years of disappointing results, including 6th and 8th place finishes in previous Olympics, Hunt-Davis and his team decided to overhaul their approach. They realized that to achieve their goal of winning an Olympic medal, every decision they made had to be scrutinized with one critical criterion: “Will it make the boat go faster?”
This simple question became a powerful filter for decision-making, helping the team to:
- Focus on what truly mattered
- Eliminate distractions and non-essential activities
- Align every action with their ultimate goal
- Create a culture of continuous improvement
The significance of this approach lies in its universal applicability. While it originated in the context of competitive rowing, the principle can be adapted to virtually any field or personal endeavor. By consistently asking whether an action or decision contributes to the primary objective, individuals and organizations can achieve remarkable results.
Key Principles and Strategies
The book “Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?” outlines several key principles and strategies that form the foundation of this performance-enhancing philosophy:
Setting Clear and Aspirational Goals
One of the fundamental aspects of the approach is setting clear, ambitious goals. The book emphasizes the importance of:
- Defining a “Crazy Goal” – an audacious, long-term objective
- Making it “Concrete” – translating the goal into specific, measurable targets
- Creating “Control Goals” – identifying factors within your control that contribute to the main goal
- Establishing “Everyday Goals” – breaking down larger objectives into daily actionable steps
This layered goal-setting approach ensures that every action, no matter how small, is aligned with the overarching objective.
Focusing on the Process
A critical insight from the book is the emphasis on process over outcomes. Hunt-Davis and his team realized that while they couldn’t control the final result, they could control their preparation and performance. This led to a shift in focus:
- Analyzing and improving specific aspects of performance
- Measuring success by adherence to the process rather than just results
- Continuous learning and adaptation
By concentrating on the process, teams can maintain motivation and make consistent progress, even in the face of setbacks.
Building a High-Performance Culture
The book highlights the importance of creating a culture that supports high performance. Key elements include:
- Open and honest communication
- Shared commitment to the goal
- Continuous feedback and improvement
- Accountability at all levels
This culture ensures that everyone in the team is aligned and working towards the same objective.
Practical Applications
The principles outlined in “Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?” have found wide-ranging applications beyond sports:
In Business
Many companies have adopted this philosophy to drive performance and achieve ambitious goals. Applications include:
- Strategic decision-making: Evaluating initiatives based on their contribution to key objectives
- Resource allocation: Prioritizing projects and investments that align with core goals
- Performance management: Focusing employee efforts on activities that drive results
In Personal Development
Individuals can apply these principles to achieve personal goals:
- Career advancement: Identifying and prioritizing actions that contribute to professional growth
- Skill acquisition: Focusing on practices that yield the most significant improvements
- Time management: Eliminating activities that don’t contribute to primary objectives
In Team Dynamics
The approach can significantly improve team performance:
- Goal alignment: Ensuring all team members are working towards the same objectives
- Communication: Encouraging open dialogue about what works and what doesn’t
- Continuous improvement: Fostering a culture of ongoing learning and adaptation
Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Focused
One of the key challenges in implementing this philosophy is maintaining focus in the face of distractions and setbacks. The book offers several strategies for overcoming obstacles:
- Anticipating challenges: Proactively identifying potential roadblocks and developing contingency plans
- Maintaining perspective: Viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement
- Celebrating small wins: Recognizing progress to maintain motivation
- Adapting to change: Being flexible and willing to adjust strategies when necessary
By applying these strategies, individuals and teams can maintain their focus on making the boat go faster, even in challenging circumstances.
Impact and Success Stories
The impact of “Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?” extends far beyond the original Olympic victory. Numerous organizations and individuals have reported significant improvements in performance after adopting this approach:
- Business success: Companies have reported increased productivity, improved decision-making, and better financial results
- Personal achievements: Individuals have accomplished ambitious goals in various fields, from career advancements to personal fitness milestones
- Team performance: Sports teams and business units have achieved remarkable turnarounds by focusing on what truly matters
These success stories underscore the versatility and effectiveness of the philosophy in diverse contexts.
FAQs About Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?
- What is the main idea behind “Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?”
The main idea is to evaluate every decision and action based on whether it contributes to achieving your primary goal. - How can this philosophy be applied to business?
In business, it can be used to prioritize initiatives, allocate resources, and focus team efforts on activities that directly contribute to key objectives. - Is this approach only suitable for competitive environments?
No, the philosophy can be applied to any goal-oriented situation, including personal development and non-competitive endeavors. - How does this method help in overcoming obstacles?
It provides a clear framework for decision-making, helping to maintain focus and adapt strategies when facing challenges. - Can individuals use this approach for personal goals?
Yes, individuals can apply this philosophy to achieve personal objectives by consistently evaluating their actions against their primary goals.
In conclusion, “Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?” offers a powerful framework for achieving ambitious goals through focused effort and strategic decision-making. By consistently evaluating actions and choices against a clear objective, individuals and organizations can optimize their performance and achieve remarkable results. Whether in sports, business, or personal development, this philosophy provides a valuable tool for anyone seeking to maximize their potential and reach their goals.