It’s the best tool for the job. We save energy and increase output. It was designed this way.
It doesn’t stay this way. Over time and with use, the edge blunts. Every swing requires more energy and produces less progress.
Business is the same way. We design our business in the beginning. We create value offerings and customer experiences. We define the purpose and craft a vision. Once done, we have a sharp axe that focusses all the energy of our strikes on a thin, impactful edge.
This too blunts over time. We grow complacent. The world changes around us. Our handles crack.
No matter how great your axe was in the beginning, it requires a concerted effort to keep in sharp and relevant. Every once in a while, it is valuable to revisit the basics and make sure they are as sharp as you think.