Soccer's Playbook for Business Success

As y'all know, I am soccer mad, and with the Copa América and Euros on, I had to bring the two things I enjoy the most together. With the finals looming, I can't miss my chance.

I was speaking with my career, life, and spiritual mentor, coach, and guru, also known as my mom, and she dropped a few goodies that I wanted to share.

Colombia (where I was born) is a passionate country, full of hope and dreams, and if you know our history, you know why we hold on to hope so dearly...

In case you've been living under a rock, Colombia has made it to the Copa América final—a big deal considering we haven't had a strong squad in a while—and we're going up against the reigning champs, Argentina (my dad’s homeland).

I am torn as a fan of both Colombia and Argentina; this final is going to be bittersweet, but either way, the joke with our families is that my sister and I will win! ?? ????????

Goal-Driven Leadership

I am currently in my eighth year of coaching an all-age men's team. As a result of my passion for the game, my coaching background, and my leadership both on and off the pitch, I have discovered that there are many parallels between the workplace and soccer.

In teams, diversity opens doors, encourages innovation, and plays to individual talents. Diverse viewpoints and life experiences contribute to the development of special problem-solving skills. Teams can only flourish when they are empowered and given the opportunity to work together... and the program's impact is increased when inclusive leadership and training are included.

“I think soccer is a great game because it brings people together. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what language you speak, soccer unites everyone.” – Marco Van Basten

On The Pitch

There are many similarities between business and soccer. Diverse teams generate opportunities, encourage creativity, and play to people's abilities. Diverse viewpoints and life experiences contribute to the development of special problem-solving skills. Teams can only flourish when they are empowered and given the opportunity to work together when inclusive leadership and training are integrated into the programme.

Success in the workplace and on the pitch depends heavily on teamwork. Teams that possess these qualities collaborate more effectively, fail quickly, and reduce risk while making impactful decisions.

Even if you may have contributed some ideas to a project, the project and its goal belong to the whole. Our projects thrive on teamwork and solidarity. When faced with obstacles, we move and adjust as a unit to make sure we protect our goals with the same ferocity as a goalie defends the net.

The management and leadership team are crucial in setting and achieving specific goals, periodically reviewing them, coordinating when needed, and even altering course (or formation) when necessary.

In soccer, the importance of flexibility and synchronised movement is demonstrated by the way the entire team moves as the ball shifts to one side of the play. Similar to this, in business, we have to be flexible and modify our plans as needed to maintain a strong defensive and well-coordinated offence.

We are one team, not each other’s competitors—we should be working together.

Effective midfielders, who are typically the team's captains, open up scoring opportunities for the wings, proving that not all breakthroughs come from the middle.

Resilience

And when we fail, fail fast! Likewise, in our projects, fostering a holistic approach means understanding that setbacks happen. It's about nurturing and supporting each other through challenges, knowing that overcoming them makes us stronger as a team.

Everyone on the squad pitches in, from the players who are actively playing, to the bench players waiting to get called up. Our juniors and support teams are essential to our team's performance, much like in soccer where subs need to be prepared to step in and make an impact. Providing equitable opportunities, developmental love, mentorship, and guidance is everyone's responsibility; building a pipeline will only strengthen the team in the long run. Together we lift each other!

The Beautiful Game

These principles are equally essential in both sports and the workplace:

• Change management: A strong leader will guide and help the team embrace change.
• Communication: Clear and effective communication is fundamental up & downstream.
• Collaboration: Our collective strength is greater than individual efforts.
• Accountability: Hold each other accountable for actions and help lift each other up.
• Respect: Show respect and uphold integrity and fairness in all actions.
• Resilience: Maintain perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges.
• Transformation catalyst: Use change as an opportunity for growth.

Remember, leadership isn't confined to a title; it's about inspiring and guiding others toward shared goals. Whether on the soccer field or in the office, these principles guide us toward success through teamwork and unity.

Wishing all teams playing today the best of luck and here's to celebrating the lessons the beautiful game teaches us!

#oneteamonedream #teamwork #lessonsfromthefield #management #leadership #fortheloveofthegame #DEI #DiversityEquityInclusion #Team