Lessons from the World Cup for Corporate Culture

" To win...you must stay in the game" - Claude Bristol
Message From: CHRM Total Posts: 244 Rank : Thinker
Post Date : 11/07/2006 08:49:02 Points: 1220
The exit of Brazil from the World Cup holds key lessons for organisations. Almost everyone in the Brazil team is a star, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho being the most celebrated. Despite that, the mighty team had to concede defeat to a more methodical and determined France.
Lesson one
The might of the rival is insignificant, if you’re focused and prepared.
France played with a determination to snatch the cup from the five-time champion, and it won.
Lesson Two
Success and star value bring complacency. The seen-it-all feeling leads to under-preparation and more dangerous, under-estimation of the rival, as happened with Brazil.
Corporations running on the star value of its chief executives too run the risk of upset defeats. It’s how well prepared you are for each occasion that counts than your star value.
A constant fear of losing is vital to keep up performance.
Lesson Three
Predictable tactics are dangerous. France played as if it knew every tactic of Brazil.
Every Brazil player was effectively blocked and outplayed. Though Brazil tried to infuse some fresh blood into the team, it was too late to show an impact. Too much publicity and flamboyance, or just being in a position for too long, give away the person.
Lesson Four
Organisations should put a soccer-like team concept in place. Cricket crazy India is used to the concept of chosen players staying on till the task is done. But in soccer, the coach keeps a keen eye on the performance of each player, and orders a replacement at the first hint of under-performance.
Constant performance review and a culture of easy acceptance of task rotation would certainly make for a vibrant team.
Lesson Five
A time-bound, make-or-break attack on competition will keep everyone on high adrenaline. Ninety minutes to win or lose; what about 90 days to finish off competition from one area?
Lesson Six
Too much reliance on the best front for success has its pitfalls. Ronaldinho, the best bet against competition, was blocked by rivals in all the matches. Always assume that the strongest front of an organisation will be targeted by rivals. So, have alternative fronts ready.
Lesson Seven
Aggression and foul play are often rewarding. In some situations, those are the only things that work. But an injudicious use of such tactics can hamper progress.
Four yellow cards had severely restricted the advance of Brazil against France. A football court reflects the marketplace more than a cricket pitch that is suave and organised.
by Verghis Chandy