The Word Is LOOSE

This series is inspired by the "Words From
Unity" public service announcements
that ran on television (particularly in
Kansas City) in the 1970's and 80's.

You don't want many things in life to be loose -- your shoestrings, the bolts on your car, your pets, and many other things, many of which are not appropriate to be mentioned here.

"Loose" is one of those words where the negative connotations outweigh the positive ones. But I also remember watching basketball coaching legend Pat Summitt in a documentary praise one of her players for being "loose." It's a defense strategy, as I found out. Looseness can also imply adaptability, the freedom to pivot as situations demand.

Playing loose in your business means 1) you're trying to cheat people, or 2) you're trying to be nimble enough to get the drop on your competition and adapt to challenges. Looseness and sloppiness are two different issues. Sloppiness means you're ditching your passion. Looseness means you have a desire to win, but if you're so loose you ignore everything but winning, you're going to lose -- for being too loose.

So tighten up where you need to, but make sure you have a little room to play.