The skill of Anticipation.
Anticipation is something I have mentioned several times in conversation and speech’s that is a very competitive advantage. Some have the natural talent of anticipation and some do not….but it can be learned and assimilated into any game, business or relationship.
Let me explain and you will understand my thoughts;
Like in playing tennis, very good tennis players instinctively have a pretty good idea where their opponent is going to be and where they will hit the ball and you can make minor shifts in body movement and motion that can motivate or take action in that direction at a much faster pace to return a ball and place the ball in a better spot. They get there faster, have their momentum going in the right direction and can hit harder and stronger or place it with precision.
Same in Football or any sport really. After playing a game or an opponent or watching game films you can become better at anticipation of what your opponent is going to do, where he is going to be and what he more than likely will do and then you can react at a better speed and be there when it happens and can take the action that will beat or minimize any gain or loss on your part.
Ok….now how does anticipation play into business and into personal relationships you may ask.
First, I really do think it is ONE of the most vital keys to success to the top level athlete and the top level businessman, clerical person, sales person, technician, husband, wife, friend or anyone else in a symbiotic relationship.
Anticipation comes easier to some than to others. Some just have the skill as a blessing to their makeup. Others have acquired it over time as a way to cope or get ahead. Others have no clue on what anticipation is. I play tennis with players with differing abilities and some just do not have the skill of anticipation, and it usually spells disaster for them. And I see their frustration on the court when all they do is stand there not knowing which way to move and they eventually get beat and wonder what the heck just happened.
Ok. Now the point of it all. High levels of success in business and a relationship in any form requires anticipation and the improvement of this skill continuously.
For example: When a customer has set an appointment to come into the service department do we anticipate their thoughts, their fears, and their uncomfortableness in coming in not knowing what to expect, who will help them, will they care about them or will they be taken advantage of. Some service writers have or have honed in on this ability to put them at ease, make them feel comfortable, communicate and almost hold their hand so they feel like things will be ok and they can trust us with their fears, concerns and comfort. Has the service writer thoroughly prepared for that customer coming in? Sort of like reviewing game films. Has he checked on the needs of the car, ran a vis check, ran the history? Has he thought about the customer and the uncomfortable nature that will surface when they first get there. Is the service advisor thoroughly prepared to assist, consult and make the customer feel comfortable and accept the assistance our service experts have and at the same time genuinely care for them for start to finish. (Before they even get there)
Anticipation and preparation are a very and most important key.
Another example: How about selling a car. Does the sales person anticipate what is going through the customers mind when they walk on to the lot or call into the store. Do you put your place in theirs? They have fear, they have concerns, they don’t trust, they are on guard…….you know…..you do it too when you go do things that you rarely do. Do you plan to help them to be comfortable? Do you relieve their fears? Do you move to a position to help them feel at ease? You know it can be done. Just look at the top sales people in our group…..they have honed in on true anticipation and move in the direction the customer needs you to move to make the symbiosis work to its maximum. And the customer feels so good they come back again and again and refer their friends.
Another example: A wife, husband, family or friend. How often do we have bad days, bad experiences or just feel uncomfortable. Would it not be nice to have someone anticipate those times or even pre-plan to anticipate times like this and do something, move in the right direction, take the action to comfort, relieve, and make them feel good. Symbiosis and anticipation are keys to relationships. Much more than can ever be measured. Anticipate the needs of your partners, friends, family…..they need you and believe it or not it is a catchy thing comes back to you. They also start employing antiption.
If you relate this to business relationships and career paths….anticipation works the same. What do your co-workers need? what does you boss need” what does your subordinates need? It all creates Highly effective Symbiosis that produces optimum performance, comfort, goodwill and love.
Now again…..some it comes as a special gift and I admire them for having it innately, but others need to practice it, plan for it, think about it, and proactively take action to anticipate the needs of others. The more you do it the more natural it becomes.
Anticipation can catapult you to greater heights, make others follow along with you to the climb to success and better relationships. Friends will follow, relationships will bloom, promotions will come, business will boom.
Anticipation is a vital key to success.
Think about that and take action……it works.
Love ya all,
sysr
I just came from a meeting full of anticipation! I am so excited to be a part of the “YAG” group and I anticipate great things! I am on board and will give my all, for our growth. Thanks for the great thought starters, it’s wonderful to know that you care enough about each one of us to take time out of your day to help us to be successful.
Thank you, as always Spencer for the motivational thoughts and “anticipating” how valued we feel that you take the time to share these golden nuggets with us!! You are awesome!!!
Thank you for this powerful lesson on of the power of anticipation. As we develop the ability to anticipate, it prepares us to better respond to events, opportunities, customers, challenges, etc. as they arise. And by practicing “positive” anticipation, mentally visualizing a successful outcome before it even occurs, our subconscious mind guides us beyond the initial event to the final accomplishment we desire.
I love this post, thank you. I personally am an over-thinker, and anticipation plays a huge part of it. Great descriptions above. I know you posted this last week, but this has my Monday starting off right. Happy Monday!