What John Grisham and Baseball Teach Us about Business

Have you read the novel CALICO JOE by John Grisham? You don’t need to be an avid reader, a fan of John Grisham, a fan of legal thrillers, or even a baseball fan to enjoy this book. I promise not to give away the plot or ending, but I highly recommend the book even if you don’t fit into any of the above categories.

Grisham is known as the father of the modern legal thriller genre. His numerous novels feature memorable legal challenges, riveting plots, and engaging characters.

While CALICO JOE is first and foremost a story about baseball, it is much more. It represents the importance of trying things outside of one’s comfort zone. Grisham wrote an incredible story that will remain with all readers long after the book is finished. But why? The answer is because Grisham tried a genre outside of his comfort zone, and the result was an amazing work of fiction far different from his typical legal thrillers.

So how can you apply this lesson to your business? Don’t practice the “this is how we’ve always done things” strategy. Try new strategies. Create a corporate culture where all employees clearly understand that new ideas are encouraged. Innovation should be everyone’s objective.

You never know who will develop the next great iPod or who will revolutionize an industry.