0-100 in 2.2 seconds, or slow and steady? Super tankers work because they are slow, steady, and incredibly powerful. They can move huge amounts of load over great distances.
Formula One cars work because they are incredibly fast, they can turn on a dime, and they can get around a track really quickly.
Large organisations work because they have huge mass, they are massive forces with great inertia, they go where they are pointed. But they can’t stop quickly and they take a long time to turn, they are going in one direction and that’s that.
Even with engines in full reverse a super tanker will take over 9 kilometres (5.5 miles for our American friends).
On the other hand, it’s possible to make a massive impact by being quicker to turn, by being more nimble, by having the ability to pivot.
It’s important not to confuse what you are though. Trying to turn your small business into a super tanker might negate the advantage you have.
I’m yet to see a super tanker in pole position.
Sam Hazledine, author Unfair Fight