Take Your Business to the Premier League

Yeah, okay. Maybe I am writing this to shoehorn in how much I love the Wolves. Don’t worry though. I’m not gonna mention promotion. Or being champions. No, definitely not going to mention being champions. No one needs to know that we went up as champions…

Sorry if you don’t like the Wolves, but you have to admit – this year they did it in style – and there’s a few things that businesses can learn from their success this year. So, dust down your laces, crack out the polyester shirt and pay heed to the Gospel of Nuno Espirito Santo:

1.      Their Recruitment is on point

Yeah, yeah, we know Uncle Jorge had a big part to play – no snarky comments. But bringing the likes of Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota and Ivan Cavaleiro into the fold was a masterstroke. Sure, they were big money players. Spending the record transfer fee on one player was a risky, risky move. But it worked. Not only did Ruben dazzle as a midfield maestro all season long, but he had the added effect of making everyone around him BETTER. That’s what happens when you take risks and hire superstars. Not only do they excel in their own role, they improve the performance of those around them. Those more junior can learn from them. They become mentors and help grow those around them. The lesson here? Take risks in your hiring decisions. Pay the money you need to get the very best.

2.      The Manager is Bloody Great

Do I think with the same set of players we would have been promoted under a different manager? No, not really. Sure, he spent a lot of money, but the real value added was the transformation of the existing players. Coady, Doherty, Saiss – all players I’d consider bang average before he came in. Now? These guys are the backbone of the squad, and deservedly so. When you have a great manager, even the most average performer can excel. So, invest in your managers, make sure that you’ve got people on board that are dedicated to their team, that push them – but importantly respect them. Even star performers will wither under bad management.

3.      They Have a Vision

If you’d have told me 2 years ago that Wolves’s goal was to secure a Champions League role id have seriously questioned what you’d taken and how much of it. I mean, seriously? A team not even challenging for play offs looking at a top premier league spot? Madness. Yet, that’s their goal. Fosun have come out and said it. Not just that, they’ve put their hand in their wallet and shown the supporters that they mean business. Now? Everyone buys into the dream. They support the vision. Champion it, even. This can be you. Share your vision with your employees – but also show them that you mean it. Show them where money is being invested and why. Have big goals and plans with how to achieve them. When people buy into a vision, they share it – and work damned hard to achieve it.

Good recruitment. Good management. Good vision. Its not rocket science, but it works. So next time you’re sat in your board meeting wondering what the heck you should do now – take a look at the boys in old gold and black. If an average club* from the Midlands can do it, so can you.

(Disclaimer: This opinion is not my own, even in the depths of league one I thought we were the best club in the world…)