There are now more books on leadership than ever, many highly researched as to what works and what doesn’t work.
Are we better for it? I’m tempted to say “No”.
In some cases, due to people’s fixation on Social media, we’ve slipped back a number of pegs in my view. The focus tends to be more about self than overall business.
Enter Western Bulldogs and their gutsy AFL (Australian Football League) Grand Final win on the weekend. Their first in 62 years.
Even if you are not into sport, look no further to see:
- the power of collaboration,
- the power of commitment to each other,
- the power of commitment to the customer (loyal supporters of a club that took 60 years to reach their pinnacle)
- the energy and result when people truly work and lead together
The 22 players were not the best 22 in the league, but they were the best ‘Professional Team’ in the league. Guts, determination, never say die attitude.
Many businesses I work with I would describe as “Teams of Professionals” – a ‘collection’ of people very good at what they do (in fact, many at the top of their field), but not focussed on the passion and result of collaboration. Wanting passionately to work as a “Professional Team”.
Managers are often more concerned about their Division or their personal ‘Branding’ rather than showing passion for overall business performance.
Many Executive teams need to take note of how the Western Bulldogs beat all the odds:
- Only team to win the Grand Final from 7th on the league ladder
- Were plagued with injuries all year
- Lost their Captain for the season in the 3rd game of the competition
- Had a virtual replacement of key staff in the last 3 years – Captain, coach and significant on ground players.
What can we learn as a business?
- Personal egos need to be put aside for the team
- In everything we do, learn & practice – team is first, personal focus is second
- Leaders need to be humble – Bulldogs coach, Luke Beverage was a quiet, unassuming man who when presented with his Grand Final medal, immediately gave it away to injured Captain Bob Murphy.
- Think long term, rather than short term gains. For Beverage, he is already looking at how the team and club can sustain their success for many years. That dictates his thinking and attitude. Does it dictate yours or are you forced by shareholders to deliver the best short term return?
- The critical nature of language. Words easily build people up or tear them down. Virgin Airlines, even behind closed doors, refers to passengers as “guests” not as a “pax”. I like that.
If your “Why?” is strong enough, you will find the will and energy to build your ‘team of professionals’ into a ‘Team of Professionals’. It’s only an attitude away!
