Discernment

About the Author

Jeff Dudan is a seasoned business builder, Undercover Boss, and former college football player. He went to Florida to paint in the wake of Hurricane Andrew and two years later launched AdvantaClean, a national restoration franchise that had 240 locations in 37 states when Jeff exited the company in 2019. He has since joined his brother to start Dudan Partners, a catalyst for enterprise growth in the franchise industry. Dudan is also a top Forbes contributor and has retired from coaching his kids’ sports teams after thirty combined seasons in the past twelve years.

Main Idea

Discernment: The Business Athlete’s Regimen for a Great Life through Better Decisions by Jeff Dudan provides techniques for making better decisions and finding the best opportunities. Drawing on personal stories and time-tested techniques, Dudan offers tools, models of thought, beliefs, and principles to help readers become leaders and efficient problem solvers. The book is particularly geared toward business people but offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to improve their decision-making skills.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Sport Called Business
3. What Makes a Business Athlete?
4. Business Coaching
5. When Discernment Comes Into Play
6. Intelligence vs Experience
7. Discernment is a Full-Contact Sport
8. How to Play the Game
9. Winning the Game
10. Your Training Starts Now

Introduction

Jeff Dudan opens by discussing the abundance of opportunities in the modern world, from the Internet to easy travel. He emphasizes the challenge of discerning which opportunities to pursue, advocating for a regimen of discernment to help individuals make better decisions. This book aims to equip readers with the tools to become leaders and efficient problem solvers through improved decision-making skills.

The Sport Called Business

Dudan likens business to a sport, with winners and losers, rules, and the need for continuous training. He argues that thinking of business in this way can help individuals become business athletes who train to be the best, lead their teams, and perform under pressure. The metaphor of business as a sport helps frame the discipline and dedication required to succeed.

“Thinking of business as a game is helpful and accurate. You have to learn the rules of the game to succeed and excel.” - Jeff Dudan

Just as athletes work grueling hours to perfect their game, business people must train endlessly on the fundamentals of business to tackle problems with intelligence and wisdom. This mindset encourages continuous development and a commitment to excellence.

• Training on business fundamentals to develop problem-solving skills.
• Viewing business challenges as opportunities to compete and excel.

What Makes a Business Athlete?

Business athletes are those who excel in the game of business through endless training and a commitment to improvement. They tackle problems with intelligence and wisdom, constantly developing their techniques to remain competitive. Business athletes lead their teams, perform under pressure, and never stop learning.