The World cup in South Africa has been extraordinary, with the majority of the competitions favorite teams, and stars failing to perform leading to an unlikely end of the competition. What are the essential management lessons we have learnt from the unpredictable results of this World cup?
Even Nostradamus would of found it hard to predict the failure of Argentina, Brazil, England, France, and Italy to perform up to their expectations in this once in four year football showpiece. Neither have many of the worlds millionaire superstar players performed, being outplayed by lesser known players in the competition.
What are the essential business management skills we can learn from this extraordinary World Cup?
1. Communication Skills
France the once celebrated World champions imploded in almost spectacular style. leading to allegations of no communication between management, and players. This traditional dictatorial style of management- you listen, and do. Could be to blame for the reason team France revolted, and went home to an angry public.
The lesson: Communicate, discuss and evaluate together with your team
2. Motivation
The England team, once the tournaments favorites looked miserable and lacked any motivation when playing- the price an early exit with a thrashing by what pundits claimed was by an inferior team. Obviously the manager did not recognize the signs this team were not interested in performing, in management terms he played the same team that never proved it could not perform..
The lesson: communicate, award those who are willing team players, and change the team structure.
3. Technical Skills
Argentina were motivated, played as a team but one thing Diego Maradona ignored was the need to change the technical side of the team, depending on their opponents. A highly motivated team faces many challenges, and has to be flexible as situations change- the result, a quarter final defeat by Germany.
The lesson: After motivating your team, focus on enhancing their technical skills, and change the structure of the team for any new challenges.
4. Plan B
Brazil, the favorites looked like they were cruising to the final, until they met the Netherlands. They imploded, and looked like they had no other game plan options, as they lost a lead after 45 minutes. Any manager has to have a plan B, Brazil did not.
The lesson: Teams can be changed, options can be kept in case a situation suddenly changes. Lacking a second option could turn success into a long term defeat.
5. Surprise
England and Italy were predictable, they could not surprise their opponents who planned a game plan around this- Germany played the unknown, the surprise factor. Surprise can put any opponent in disarray, unsettle them and beat off the competition. Being too predictable leaves you exposed to your own weaknesses, as opponents soon wise up to them
The Lesson: Unsettle your competition, be more innovative, build up on your strengths and offer an element of surprise.
6. The "Prima Donna" Factor
Being already successful, does not mean you are the best. The banks learnt this in 2008, individual superstars who did not perform- learnt this in the world cup. Performance as a team, over rides past success in team building and creates winners.
The lesson: If big names may not perform, offer options, bring in an alternative, never depend on what was previously successful- as competition changes and prima donnas that do not perform could be replaced.
7. Teamwork
The successful teams in this World cup had all one common factor- Teamwork. Despite their perceived individual limitations, as a team they brought the best out in other, and were willing to sacrifice. Team Ghana, New Zealand,Paraguay, Uruguay, Holland, Spain and Germany performed as a team.
The lesson: An average team can perform better than a team of superstar individuals. If success depends on a team, each player no matter their weaknesses can help outperform the most successful individuals- if they work on how each member can benefit the team in their own way.
8. Invest in Youth
England, France and Italy left out youth and opted out for experience. Brazil and Argentina left valuable young players out of the team- preferring tested professionals.
Germany, Ghana and Uruguay opted for youth, and outperformed their initial expectations. England, France, Italy were outperformed, and shown that youth can beat experience.
The lesson: Invest in the young, experience does matter but youth can bring in fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and ultimately success in an uneven playing field.
Management is often about dealing with constant change, and building a versatile team that can deal effectively with any new challenges relating to this change. To build and nurture a successful team, you need communication, fresh ideas, innovation, motivation and technical skills. Teams also need to change, bring in fresh ideas and invest in youth.
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