Business lessons learnt from the Socceroos Asian Cup win
Whilst my work is an important part of me and I really enjoy working with my team as GM at Warringal fs, for those who know me well, know I'm really passionate about 3 key areas of my life - family, friends & football (soccer)
When watching the Asian Cup recently I was reminded of a saying that was preached to me a long time ago by one of my early coaches:
"If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan but never the goal"
With the end in mind
I've had the opportunity to meet Australia’s coach Ange Postecoglou a couple of times during my own coaching career and whilst I can’t say I know him well, I do have admiration for how he has gone about his job - fully focused and committed.
People forget the results that have occurred along the way as he strove to re-build and re-generate an ageing team that had higher expectations than maybe their skill levels would allow them to achieve.
Who remembers now the 1-0 loss to Qatar in the dessert heat, or the 6-0 drubbings by Brazil and France??
Failure is part of every success but only if you learn from them and have the courage to make change to facilitate the ultimate outcome – your goals.
People over Process
Players were told to put their egos aside for the good of the team and their country.
Easily said, harder to implement…..
For those who have had the opportunity to coach, or play an elite sport, ego or attitude can be as much of a hindrance as it can be an asset, in helping you or your team achieve.
To drive this type of loyalty, belief and desire and to ultimately achieve as a group, takes leadership, real leadership and this has to be credited to Postecoglou - not doubt ably supported by his back room team - but none the less his credit.
How do you lead your teams when the goal appears too tough or too high to attain?
"Good People with Common Values and Purpose is an essential piece of any successful team"
Just the beginning
Whilst the coaching staff and players will be basking in the glory of their tremendous win, as they should, you can bet Postecoglou and his coaching team will be plotting their next adventure - World Cup 2018 qualification - something that may become a little more difficult if recent rumours of Australia being asked to leave the Asian Confederation are true.
Add to this FFA chairman Frank Lowy has set a target of reaching the second round of the 2018 World Cup ……..no pressure Ange !!