Success Versus Failure

Perception

In professional sports, even though the final score is indisputable, there can be debate about whether or not the winner deserved to win. Even in victory, there may be naysayers who argue that a team benefited from poor officiating, the most famous example of this was in the 1986 World Cup of Soccer. Argentina defeated England on the controversial ''Hand of God'' goal by legend Diego Maradona.

In athletic competition, when that last whistle is blown, it is obvious who has won and who has lost. Business is not as black and white. Some firms may lead in market share, market value or sales, but are they ''The Best?'' If they were, why so many conflicting lists on most admired firms and best places to work. Because business runs over cycles, it is never easy to quantify success. For this reason, perception is everything.

It is sometimes more effective to make it seem like you have won than to actually have won. Whatever the prize may be.

Perception, hype, public relations, noise is everything in business and in life.