This World Cup held in South Africa has been extraordinary, and most of the competition’s favorite teams and players are not performing, which led to an improbable conclusion to the tournament. What are the critical management lessons we’ve learned from the unpredictable outcomes that have been a part of the World cup?
Even Nostradamus might have been unable to predict the inability of Argentina, Brazil, England, France, and Italy to live up to their expectations during this unique four-year football tournament. Not all of the world’s millionaire superstar players performed, despite being beaten by lesser-known players in the contest.
What are the critical business management skills we could learn from this fantastic World Cup?
1. Communication Skills
France, the once renowned World champions, collapsed in a stunning fashion. This led to accusations of lack of communication between the management and players. The old style of dictatorial management- you listen and then act. It could be the reason behind the reason why team France protested and then returned home to a furious public.
The lesson is to communicate and discuss the lesson with your team.
2. Motivation
It was clear that the England team, which was once one of the tournament’s top picks, looked depressed and lacked motivation while playing. They paid the price of a quick exit was the wrath of pundits who said it was the team that was not as good. The manager clearly was not aware of the signs the team wasn’t keen on performing, but in terms of management, they played the same team, which has never proven it was unable to be successful…
The lesson is to be clear, recognize players who are willing players, and modify the structure of the team.
3. Technical Skills
Argentina was enthusiastic and played together. However, one thing that Diego Maradona ignored was the necessity to alter the technical aspect of his team based on the opposition. A team that is highly motivated has many obstacles to overcome and must adapt to changing circumstances which led to the quarter-final defeat to Germany.
The lesson: Once you have motivated your team, concentrate on improving their technical abilities and reorganizing the structure of your team to take on any new issues.
4. Plan B
Brazil The favorites looked like they were on their way to the final until they came up against the Netherlands. They collapsed, and it appeared like they didn’t have any other strategies to play with since they were unable to hold the lead for 45 minutes. Every manager needs A backup plan in case of emergency, but Brazil had none.
The lessons: Teams can be changed, and options are available in the event that an event suddenly alters. If you don’t have a backup plan, it can turn a win into an in the long run loss.
5. Surprise
England, as well as Italy, were predictable, but they did not have the ability to shock their adversaries, who had an entire game plan that revolved around this. Germany did not play the unknown and the surprise factor. The unexpected can throw any opponent in turmoil, causing them to lose their focus and make them lose to their competition. Becoming too predictable can leave you vulnerable to your own weaknesses as your opponents become aware of them.
The lesson: Be unsettling to your competitors and be more inventive and build on your strengths, and offer the possibility of surprise.
6. The “Prima Donna” Factor
Being successful isn’t a guarantee that you’re the most successful. The banks learned from 2008 that as did individual stars who failed to perform learned this during the World Cup. The performance of a team surpasses past success in team building and results in winners.
What to do: In the event that significant names don’t perform, offer options, bring alternatives, and never be a slave to what was previously successful- since competition evolves and prima donnas who aren’t performing could be substituted.
7. Teamwork
The winning teams at this World cup shared a common element: teamwork. In spite of their individual weaknesses together, they brought their best in each other; they were also willing to give up. Team Ghana New Zealand, Paraguay, Uruguay, Holland, Spain, and Germany were able to perform as a group.
The lesson: An average team is more effective than a group of top performers. If success is contingent on the team, every member, regardless of their strengths, can be a part of helping outperform the more successful people by focusing on finding ways for each player to help each member in their unique ways.
8. Invest in Youth
England, France, and Italy have left youth out and went to go for the experience. Brazil and Argentina have left talented young players in the team- opting for experienced players.
Germany, Ghana, and Uruguay chose to go with youth, and they surpassed what they had hoped for. England, France, Italy were not as successful and have proven that youth can be more effective than previous experience.
The lesson is to invest in the youth; experience is crucial. However, young people bring new ideas, energy, and ultimately, success on an unlevel playing field.
Management is usually concerned with dealing with continuous change and creating a flexible team that can effectively deal with any new challenges related to this shift. To create and sustain the success of your team, you require the ability to communicate new innovative ideas, motivation, and technical expertise. Teams should also adapt and bring new ideas and invest in the next generation of young people.
