What\’s so special about football?

Wonders somebody who has always hated playing the game…

Watching other people playing, however, has always been a great learning experience for me.

I observed a bunch of colleagues being given a run for their money by young people in a football match recently. They didn\’t really stand a chance – with young people scoring 6-3. A collaborative approach was taken and although the young people won, it was a wonderful friendly match that ultimately ended with everyone a winner.

Coordination, the need for strong leadership, strategizing, working towards a common goal, these are just some of the things that company teams and football teams have in common. Business leaders can utilize many of the strategies that coaches use to ensure their teams are a force to be reckoned with.

Here are 6 Leadership Lessons the Business World can learn from Football:

1. Good Coaches/Managers get the best out of their team. If managers adapt their leadership style to the behaviors of their team, their team members will be more likely to respond with exceptional performance. Managers should keep in mind the strengths and weaknesses of their team members when formulating strategies. I observed how players were positioned, with nobody forced into an unfamiliar position. In business, this means playing to someone’s strengths and have them focus on the area where they have the strongest background.

2. Model the way. We need to find methods of teaching and relating to people that are more meaningful than “My way or the highway.” Most players (and employees) want to know “why” something is being done. Clear communication, a transparent strategy, and the willingness to take feedback can help team members put trust in their leaders, and help leaders get valuable insights from their players on the field.

3. Work towards a common “GOAL!”
Managers should ensure that the companies’ goals and the goals of its individual team members are in alignment. This will ensure all efforts are being directed towards a common objective. The players from the young people\’s Team took a very coordinated approach and were great at attacking. While the older player\’s energy levels dropped, their opposition appeared full of energy. If your team members are not following a laid out strategy, it could lead to your competition taking the lead.

4. Enabling people to fulfill their potential.
While new team members may not have the experience needed to make exceptional plays, it is the responsibility of the manager to see the future potential in their team players and help them fulfill it with the right coaching and leadership.

5. There was great advantage in having experienced players on the Team. While older players may not have the stamina and agility of youth (i.e knowledge of social media and tech), it is vital to have experienced team members who can bring the team together in the 2nd half, and use their wisdom and experience to get their team that winning goal.

6. Finding the Right Balance – creating a winning team is all about finding the right balance between attack and defence; youth and experience. While you always want to make sure you have a strong core team, your substitutes (i.e newer employees) also need to have the skills and confidence to deliver when the pressure is high. It was eye opening to discover how much Goal Keepers rely on being surrounded by great defence! The Keeper is only as good as their defence.

So what is your strategy? Do you like to play or watch football? Let me know in the comments!

#leadershipmatters #teamspirit #football #collaboration