If you’ve never heard of the uber Martial Artist, Bruce Lee, you’re probably living under a rock.
Ok, maybe you don’t know much about him, so I’ll hang around while you Google him. (Leaves fall from trees, snow begins to fall…)
Good, you’re back.
If you read a little on Bruce, you may have noticed that held a held a degree in Philosophy from the University of Washington.
Being the powerhouse that he was, he also developed a new form of Martial Arts called “Jeet Kune Do” ( also known as “The way of the intercepting fist”).
Now, Warrior, you’re probably wondering why the hell I’m bringing this up.
It’s because I know that a little learnin’ is a dangerous thing.
If you aren’t trying to better your mind, body, and soul you’re going to stagnate.
As the famous salesman and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar used to say, “Planes that sit on the ground fall apart faster than the ones in the air.”
So you don’t want that to happen to your brain, either.
Many of the philosophical principals of JKD (Jeet Kune Do) can be applied to other areas of your life like health or business. And you can always learn something of great value, especially from hyper-successful people.
So in today’s lesson, I’m going to share several JKD philosophical ideas that will help you in your business and personal life.
And the best part? You can begin to use them immediately.
JKD Business Principle #1 – Simple and Direct is the Key
The core idea behind JKD is simplicity. Bruce Lee made a point of demonstrating the idea of throwing off excess and keeping what was vital.
As he put it, “JKD is like a sculptor with a pile of clay. You remove what is not needed and keep only what is essential.”
That idea may confuse people who watch his movies. In those action dramas, Lee would sometimes use traditional movements that were ornate to make his fight scenes more exciting. In reality, his movements would be very quick and a fight would not last very long.
The way you could apply this as a business principle would be to streamline operations by taking out everything that is not important.
- At business meetings, strip away all of the fluff and focus on what’s important so your team can get back to work.
- Instead of checking email, and performing a lot of other meaningless rituals, strip those down to the bare minimum and start making sales calls.
- Need to get launch a project? Instead of endless planning, grab the quickest, most essential tasks you need to do and get started.
JKD Business Principle #2 – Be Flexible
Bruce Lee believed that combat was spontaneous. So adopting a standard way of doing things would hinder you in a real situation.
For example, you would use a certain kind of stance when approached by a slow and cautious opponent.
However, if that opponent’s approach suddenly became quick and erratic, you may have to change from a stance to a dance. (Lee adopted some of his movements from watching Muhammadi Ali’s constant movement in boxing matches.)
Amazon is a perfect example of flexibility in business combat.
When it first hit the Internet, Amazon was facing stiff competition from bricks and mortar book stores. The traditional bookstores had a clear advantage, you could see the books you were buying and purchase them immediately.
What did Amazon do? Several things.
It created a streamlined site with features that would allow you to read part of the book online.
Next, Amazon created an order and delivery system which got their books into the hands of the readers almost overnight. The company also started selling high-quality used books. So if you wanted a $50 book, you could get it for 10% of that price.
And the rest is history.
Companies that could not adjust to this type of competition died a very quick death. (Does anyone remember Walden Books?)
JKD Business Principle #3 – Your Defense is Your Offense and Vice Versa
This principle of fighting is based on the idea that defense and offense can be used together as one movement. Punching and blocking can be used together in a single movement.
(Hence the subtitle, “Way of the Intercepting Fist” – you’re blocking and punching simultaneously.)
Even though your daily business strategy is more complex, the idea of defending and attacking at the same time should be used.
An example of this would be a sales team. Your attack would be to gain more clients while your defense would be to make your current clients as happy as possible.
Another good example of this principle would be when a competitor comes out with a product, you can defend and attack with a better product of your own. McDonald’s rolled out its premium coffee when Starbucks threatened its market share.
However, you can’t be weak in this principle either — countering with a half-assed method.
Walmart went on the attack while improving itself.
- Started a new inventory system that replenished products while not overbuying.
- Strengthened its relationship with vendors driving prices as low as possible
- Chose very strategic places of business while quickly shutting down low volume stores
- Created smaller store versions dedicated to grocery items.
What did Sears do to counter this?
- Changed it’s store format to be more family-friendly
- Moved to different locations
(Once again, have you been in a Sears store lately?)
JKD Business Principle #4 -You Must Condition Yourself
Like Jeet Kune Do, business requires that you constantly condition yourself. Lee followed methods of exercise and regimentation that was rigorous yet essential to his art.
His total body workout consisted of 10 different exercises.
Similarly, business people must continue to practice their skills so they can perform when needed.
Such as:
- A salesperson will need to practice their sales presentation scripts constantly, memorizing every line they can.
- If you are a copywriter, you’ll need to practice the basics of writing headlines, subheads, calls to action and other elements of good copy.
- A manager will have to get more training and implement what she has learned daily.
The bottom line is, you’ll need to work on your skills every day, just like exercise.
Conclusion
Warrior, you don’t have to be a martial artist to apply these Jeet Kune Do business principles to your business. They are simple, straightforward and you can use them starting today.
If you find that you are stalled on getting started on a task or venture, just remember that taking action is essential. The more action you take, the greater the opportunity for success.
Do you have any comments, about Jeet Kune, Do in business? If you do, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think.
