5 sports-related inspirational HR lessons from real life and film

Sports can throw up all kinds of magical moments, many of which can teach us incredible life lessons. Mindset is absolutely key to success and the examples of this from a sporting context are almost infinite. I wanted to share my top 5 inspirational moments for HR in sporting scenarios – from both real life and the silver screen.

1.      Jason McElway – Every Player Matters

I think this is my favourite for a number of reasons, the first reason being that it teaches us that mindset is such an important attribute for consideration.  From a HR perspective, Jason’s story shows the value in diversity and empowering every individual within the organisation to feel valued.

Also, the reaction of his team mates and in fact the entire school population is fantastic. When you successfully build a culture where every single member of the team wants those around them to succeed and where all are aligned to a single set of goals, you can achieve magnificent and seemingly impossible results.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek1iIOTsiRo

2.      Micheal Jordan – Dare To Fail

Okay this one is a classic Nike Commercial, so I guess you can take its credibility and authenticity with a pinch of salt. However, the underlying message here is that in order to succeed you have to first be willing to fail. Any team who are empowered to fail will ultimately be free to innovate and succeed.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45mMioJ5szc

3.      Al Pacino – Inch by Inch

This iconic scene from Any Given Sunday is a source of substantial inspiration for anyone who has seen it, and it has significant organisational application. Now, I am not suggesting that you should gather your team around in the morning and deliver a rousing speech, much as that would be entertaining, but ultimately this video is all about empowerment, transparency, authenticity and responsibility.

If you can build a team that places the team goals above the goals of the individual then you will have success. To refer to Simon Sinek, if you attract those that share your ‘Why’ you will have a powerful team indeed, but this all starts with authenticity and clarity of message as well as understanding that success is earned ‘inch by inch’ through every individuals hard work.

*This video does contain strong language (feel free to skip this one on that basis if you prefer)

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO4tIrjBDkk

4.      LCFC – Defying 5000/1 Odds

As a Leicester native and LCFC fan it would be outrageous for me not to reference this outstanding achievement. Not for the promotion of LCFC or for football, but for the promotion of attributes like passion, drive, togetherness, leadership and hard work. Leicester City defied 5000/1 odds (you get better odds betting on the existence of the Loch Ness Monster… True story) to be crowned champions of England. Those odds were based on the perceived capability and ability of the individuals in the Leicester team in juxtaposition to those of their competitors.

Talent alone is not enough and never has that been better immortalised than with Leicester’s achievement. Only made possible by the desire, passion, togetherness and unrelenting work of all of those in the Leicester set up, from head coach to groundsman.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmh5Why3No

5.      Invictus – Inspire Those Around You To Greatness?

The true beauty and skill of leadership is to inspire those in your care to exceed their own expectations, to achieve more than they thought possible and to empower others to be better than yourself in many cases. That is leadership.

This short clip from Invitcus featuring Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) and Francois Stein (Matt Damon) captures that notion beautifully.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQhns5AwAkA

As I mentioned at the start of this blog, the HR and life lessons that we can take from sport are almost infinite, so please do comment and share your own examples. These are just 5 that I have taken personal inspiration from and can see true HR takeaways embedded within their message.

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I would welcome you to get in touch with me directly should you want to discuss this blog further or if I can help advise on talent strategy and outsourced recruitment solutions – 0207 187 6206 – 07507 512 809 - luke.omahoney@hudson.com