Play Offense in Tough Times: A Lesson from Tennis and Business

The economy is going through a liquidity squeeze right now. Nothing we haven’t seen before.

It’s tempting during these periods to play defence. And for a time, defence is necessary and appropriate.

But leaders refuse to play defence for long. They choose to spend most of their time and energy playing offense.

Here’s what Jo-Wilfried Tsonga said when he was asked about what separates Djokovic, Federer and Nadal from the top 20 players on the ATP tour:

“It’s not their skill level. I can serve just as big and hit just as hard. Tennis comes down to a handful of crucial points. Most players play defence when they are down a break point. The Big 3 go for the lines on break points, they go for aces and winners.”

The best way to beat the blues is to maintain an aggressive mindset.