What a lifetime of soccer has taught me about people, teams and organizations

This past weekend I had the unique opportunity to participate in the 25 year celebration of the Charlotte Eagles organization. The Charlotte Eagles are affiliated with a non-profit organization that uses soccer as a tool to transform people and communities. For a number of years the team competed in the ‘triple A baseball” equivalent of the soccer world. Currently, the team competes in the amateur PDL league - developing college athletes during the summer months.

Now I’m an old, washed-up retired Charlotte Eagle. While I may still think I can compete, I’m a step, or two, slow - it was evident this weekend. However, in spite of my physical impediment, this weekend was a distinct reminder of all that I have learned from the game of soccer.

I believe a soccer team is an incredible illustration of an organization.

If you think about the many positions on a team we are all working towards the same goal (or vision). Winning means we continue to accomplish whatever vision we set out to accomplish. For a soccer team to be successful, eleven different positions on the field work together to accomplish (or score) a goal. 

What if the different positions played on a soccer field (each incredibly vital for success) represented different roles fulfilled within an organization? 

Forwards - You score the goals, you put points on the board, you take risks and the entire team works together to get you the ball for a goal-scoring opportunity. You are the sales function!

Outside Midfielders - You work really hard both offensively and defensively, you react to transitions in the game, you track down the ball when possession is lost and you attempt to get the ball to forwards making dangerous runs at goal. You are fulfill the sales support roles!

Central Midfielders - You are the creative playmakers, you are the glue, you are the foundation of any build-up towards goal and goals are rarely scored without some form of your involvement. You are marketing!

Outside backs/defenders - You are the work horses, you begin the offensive attack, you provide stability for the team and you protect our own goal. You are many of the central functions that enable the organization to conduct business successfully. You are operations, finance, procurement, talent acquisition and training.

Central backs/defenders - You see the entire field, you are the last line of defense, you keep us organized, you command and direct, you protect and if someone gets through, you do what you have to in order to stop the attack. You are compliance, QC, internal audit and HR!

Goalie - You are vital, but we hope you’re not that involved in the game. You tend to be a little crazy and when you are necessary we really need you to come through. You are general counsel!

Each of the eleven positions on the field play a vital role in the success of the team. Players are expected to compete toward the team vision, within the determined structure (formation), while also displaying individual creativity. Some of the illustration breaks down eventually, but the most important thing is that we are a unified team with each of us playing an important role.

One last thing to ponder... a field is flat. We may play different roles, but all of us must serve one another in order that WE are successful.

Still learning from my soccer playing days...