Winning the Offseason
Our CLO Taylor and I disagree about the performance of Mizzou head basketball coach Dennis Gates. I think he should be celebrated for stringing together a number of entertaining seasons. Taylor thinks he should be fired for not having more success in March.
After Mizzou got bounced again in the first round of the NCAA tournament and our two point guards transferred, Taylor doubled down despite a really nice recruiting class coming in. But then a couple of high profile transfers committed, including one from archrival Kansas that Gates had apparently kept tabs on for the past five years, so I had to speak up.
“I will always counter your anti-Gates energy,” I said to Taylor.
“Gates can get good players,” Taylor admitted. “I’m not sure he can coach them. But we are #1 right now in recruits and transfers.”
“I love winning the offseason,” I replied.
And I actually do. It means you’re putting in the work when no one is watching. Though, to be fair, everyone is paying attention to the portal now.
But you can’t have success in-season without setting yourself up in the offseason. So even though the offseason technically counts for nothing – which is why “winning it” is a joke – you still have to do it.
An aside…
I talked about my daughter’s recent tryout experience that didn’t go as she hoped. Well, those evaluators came to watch her in some real games and ended up inviting her back. In the meantime, because being told no inspired her to get better, she learned how to juggle a tennis ball with her feet. Sometimes the best things that happen feel the worst.
But acknowledging that, the lesson stands: to try to do everything well, because everything counts. This doesn’t always mean results follow, but it does mean consistent process. Because as we often have to remind ourselves here in the office, another way to look at the long-term is as a series of short terms.
Have a great weekend.
– Tim
Sign up below to get Unqualified Opinions in your inbox.
The information, opinions, and views presented in this publication are provided solely for general informational and educational purposes. They are of a general nature, have not been tailored to the specific circumstances of any individual or entity, and do not constitute a comprehensive statement of the matters discussed. This material should not be interpreted or relied upon as investment, legal, tax, accounting, regulatory, or other professional advice, and nothing in this publication is intended to be or should be construed as such. You should obtain advice from your own professional advisors regarding the applicability of the information to your particular circumstances.
The views and analyses expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, opinions, policies, or positions of Permanent Equity Management, LLC, its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, or portfolio companies, or of any person or entity with whom the author may be affiliated. Permanent Equity Management, LLC makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the information contained herein and expressly disclaims any liability for errors or omissions.
This publication is not, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security, financial instrument, or other product. It does not form the basis of any contract and does not create a fiduciary, advisory, or client relationship with Permanent Equity Management, LLC. Any examples or references to third-party content are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement. Permanent Equity Management, LLC is not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or content of third-party materials. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject to change.
