500 Words a Week - Reflections from first season in the new role

“Play long term games with long term people” - Naval

While thinking about my first year at Arsenal, the phrase above kept repeating itself. This and other parts of Naval’s work have helped some of the reflections below. Some of these are new thoughts, some have been further solidified.

“All returns in life, whether in wealth, relationships, or knowledge, come from compound interest” – Naval

Compound interest and long term games are interlinked. Compound interest is a powerful concept that stretches further beyond just compounding capital. Think about compound interest with regards to our reputation. “If you have a sterling reputation and you keep building it for decades’ people will notice.” People will trust you, opportunities will open. Within S&C (and other careers), we can be guilty of constantly comparing ourselves with others career trajectory. Be patient with your own path, understand the benefits of compound interest.

A huge aspect of playing long term games is consistency. At a base level what I mean by consistency is the manner by which we approach each day and each interaction. The world of sport is ever-changing and constantly throwing curveballs, the last thing a group of players or your colleagues need is someone in which they don’t know if they are going to get the agreeable, high energy version or the pessimist.

We all know the saying that goes something like “you are the sum of those whose company you keep”. Naval discusses three things to look for in people to work with “high intelligence, energy, and, above all, integrity.” Surround yourself with these type of people and don’t be afraid to ask stupid question. Don’t be afraid to look the fool, as the fool has only an upwards trajectory to travel.

Seek out leaders to learn from, people who will challenge you, and have high expectations from you.

Understand your limitations, ask for help where needed.

Seek community outside of work. Regardless of what it is, a weightlifting class, 5 a-side with friends, or grabbing a coffee with someone close to you. I think it’s important to do something in which you can completely switch off from work. I think it’s also important to try and do this in the company of others.

We have an exceptionally cool job, one in which people are always interested to hear about. Be grateful for where you are and what you do. Your younger self would have bit your hand off to be where you are now.

It’s better to be the person in the arena, staring into the bull’s eyes, accepting your failure or success and learning from it. Than the person in the stands criticizing the one in the arena. Whatever it is you want to do, throw yourself in the arena. Be aware that failure and criticism are not attacks on you, do not identify so much with what you want to achieve or do that you are injured by criticism.