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The one piece of advice that I think of more and more through my life – both business and personal – was given to me by Ian Roylance, who, as well as being a friend, was a fellow member of Frampton Cottrell 1st XI cricket team.

I had been opening bowler for the first team for several years, but had a poor season and had been dropped.  Whilst playing for the second team I had scored a few runs, and had therefore been picked for the first team again, but this time as a batsman.  It was a crucial match, if we lost we would be relegated.

Chasing a relatively tough total, we lost a few wickets.  My captain looked around as if not sure who he should send in.  I stood up and announced “I’m next”.  I was determined to prove a point to him. 

Ian Roylance said just one thing to me as I passed him on my way out to bat.  “Keep your arms close to your body, Chris”.  I did exactly that, and scored 65.  We won the match, saved relegation and I got Player of the Year.

I think of that line from Ian often.  Another way of putting this would be 'keep it lean', or perhaps 'keep it tight'.  

Keeping it tight prevents you at thrashing at the ball.  If the bowler bowls a poor ball, rather than being tempted to try and hit it out of the park, you might hit it in a more controlled way.  Score runs, but stay at the crease.

It also has great business connotations.  It means (to me at least) 'keep to the point'.  Be focussed.  Get rid of the garnish, and concentrate on what matters.  Work out what it is that you actually do, and focus on doing it better.

This principle has particular relevance in my activities as a business coach.  Keep the questions simple, keep them to the point, and keep the coachee focused on the topic in hand.

I am not sure if Ian actually meant all this (although he may well have done, he is a bright guy!), but it resonated with me then, and it still resonates with me now.