To truly be at the top of your game – businesses must be skilled at developing relationships, inside and outside of the office, that will bring value to all parties. ESPN knows how to play well with others, and its current role as the leader in sports media is proof positive. Originally viewed as an underdog in the industry and blocked at many turns by their few competitors, many would have expected ESPN to “man-up” and “fight to win at all costs.” Instead, ESPN was forced, both by its circumstances and by its self-assigned goal to serve fans, to focus on the business of partnering well.

My new book, ESPN The Company tells the fascinating story of how ESPN managed to sustain its growth, innovation and brand in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving marketplace. I share many of ESPN’s valuable business lessons in my book and will also do so here with this blog.