Scoring Goals in Football and Business: The Power of Experience and Strategy

Why are players like Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski so important to a football squad? And why do coaches continue to seek out experienced, "older" players for their teams? You might be thinking about age and physical condition, comparing them to younger, more energetic players. But there’s something crucial that often gets overlooked—experience.

The Role of Experience in a Winning Team

Every successful squad should ideally have 20% to 40% of its players as seasoned veterans. These experienced players are more than just members of the team; they are leaders on the pitch. They know how to handle pressure, they possess a vision that younger players are still developing, and they provide critical support to their less experienced teammates who might be full of energy but lack the wisdom to channel it effectively.

Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski, for example, bring much more than just goals to their teams. They bring a wealth of knowledge, calmness under pressure, and an understanding of the game that can’t be taught—it’s earned through years of high-level competition. They can read the game in ways that younger players might not be able to yet, allowing them to make strategic decisions that can change the course of a match.

Drawing Parallels to the Workplace

The same principles apply when building a successful team in the workplace. Yes, it’s essential to have a young, passionate team full of fresh ideas and energy. But that energy needs to be balanced with the experience and wisdom of seasoned professionals. Managing both under one roof is not easy, but it’s crucial for long-term success.

In my own experience managing a front office, it’s always been a challenge to handle the complaints from younger team members about how much they’re doing compared to their more experienced colleagues. They often feel that they’re doing more work and receiving less recognition from guests, and they frequently find themselves assigned the big tasks and complaints. But they sometimes forget how often they’ve had to rely on those experienced agents to resolve complicated billing issues or handle a guest who’s shouting, leaving them in a panic.

The Perfect Balance

In the end, a balanced team—whether in sports or in business—is what drives success. Young players or employees bring the energy and passion, while the experienced ones bring the strategy, leadership, and calmness needed to guide that energy in the right direction. The challenge for managers, like coaches, is to foster an environment where both can thrive and complement each other.

Just like on the football pitch, when a match gets tough, you’ll see the young players pushing hard, trying to score from the first moment. Meanwhile, someone like Harry Kane might seem to be just walking, conserving energy. But by the end of the match, when the young players are exhausted and have disappeared from the game, Kane, with just two touches, can score the winning goal. It’s about knowing when to push and when to wait for the perfect moment.

So, when you’re building your team, remember: it’s not just about finding the most energetic or the most experienced—it’s about finding the right balance. Experience isn’t just valuable; it’s indispensable. Make sure your team has its own Harry Kane or Robert Lewandowski, leading the way and helping the younger members shine. Success is a team effort, and experience is the cornerstone of that success.

Yasser Afify