World Chess Day was created to celebrate the game of chess and its rich legacy, which can be traced back to centuries. From ancient India & China to modern Europe, chess has been a prominent part of many different cultures around the world, and we have seen leaders engaged in it, even in paintings. It is a great way to challenge your mind, develop strategic thinking skills, plus have some fun thrown in too.
Every year 20 July is observed as World Chess Day – to observe the occasion when Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) or World Chess Federation was established, way back in 1924.
Chess is a rare combination of sport, scientific thinking and a bit of art. It is a truly global game, which encourages mutual respect, inclusion and fairness. Consequently, it can be used to create an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding among people(s) and nations around the world. So, it is not surprising that there exists an international observance that celebrates the game of chess and promotes it at a global level.
Once you come across the right move, you derive that it is best amongst all options that are open to you.
Chess is a game of strategy, like entrepreneurship
The fundamentals of chess, and business require certain conditions that need time to learn, but most importantly, the need to anticipate your competitors’ next move is very essential. It is not enough to look at where you are placed in the competition scenario; you need to consider your opponents’ positions as well. Market research is important but understanding key competitors’ strategies is very essential.
Basically, chess is all about thinking ahead. It is a serious business, which requires deep strategic analysis, creativity and foresight to successfully protect your king, while eliminating your opponents.
The game of chess is respected for its ability to enhance critical thinking, concentration and problem-solving skills.
So, both chess and business require careful planning, time management, along with the motivation to take action. Chess has become part of the everyday language of entrepreneurs. We checkmate our competitors/ we are just pawns in a game/ we think three moves ahead!
So, when a woman entrepreneur creates a business plan, it needs deep thought – aboutyour business and the strategic steps you will take to achieve your goals. The plan can crystallize your idea or vision and also affirm the amount of funding needed to start and grow your venture. A sound strategy will work well here. This can be your crowning glory!
Learnings for entrepreneurs from the art of chess
Entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs, should be have this in mind, when embarking on a business. Your purpose must be clear and it always stays the same, with every move. The pieces on the chess board can represent a customer base – which forces one to have a broader view of where we currently feature, in the eyes of our customer.
What we see is the core of our business – our ‘game play’. It becomes reassuringly predictable for our customers; and, yet our company’s or brand’s uniqueness springs from an element of surprise, delighting the consumers. This is the balance we need to achieve. And, we also need to understand the role of finance and risk. The more familiar you are with the financial situation of your business, the more you can play with confidence and creativity within the space. As with chess, there has to be certain rules to the game. A clear purpose – led by your values that enables you to predict, to play, to review patterns and scenarios, which is an important part of innovating for growth.
Just as in the art of chess, the flow and the twists & turns – all create elements of unpredictability and the surprise that your customers can’t help but applaud – for it brings them joy or delight! It is the art of chess that is needed now… building strength and alignment in our everyday game plan, keeping the purpose clear, inspirational, using it to platform innovation, and at the same time, keeping your organization unique & competitive.
Ultimately, “playing chess” will mean that you are in the game, and that you will be outwitting your opponents!
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
Poonam Sinha
