Trust the Brits to brand specific football matches , calling some intra city team matches as "Derbys" with the hype building up to the match and the spectator participation during the match taking the experience to ever new highs.
Yesterdays match between the legendary Manchester United and Liverpool was not a Derby by definition , but it certainly was one of the most keenly anticipated ties in English League Football, between two bitter rivals in the sport. Playing "Away" ( footballese for playing away from ones home turf) , Liverpool came off the winner by a whopping 3-0 victory.
The Bards "Oh what a fall there was my countrymen" seems so relevant as the mighty MANU, winner of 38 trophies till 2013, in the 17 years under the leadership of Sir Alex, walked off the field led by their new coach David Noyes.
Comparisons will follow surely- the rise and rise of MANU under Sir Alex and the fall and fall under his harried successor. The knives would be out seeking for coach Noyes head as well as the CEO. The leader takes all whether in enterprise or sports !
Three characteristics of a successful leader do seem to be missing under the present management:
Team spirit: A leaders true worth is seen in the prevalent teamspirit in times of adversity. At yesterdays match the vibrancy and mutual support that one is used to watching with the great teams was clearly absent in MANU. Players hardly looked at each other as they kicked the ball around the field. In contrast, the Liverpool players seemed so much more "united" in their passes and handling of the ball. In times of distress one of the most critical activities of the leader is to address issues of motivation, drive and togetherness.
A vision: The need for a "vision" in any enterprise has been drilled into management graduates and folklore for quite a while. As long as one is successful this aspect never gets raised. However, when one is down the gurus seek out the vision of the leader. It is never too late ( even if MANU has no chances of getting back to the top 4 in the league) for David Noyes to publicly set out the way forward . The Club can hardly sink any deeper from their present position. An honest confession of the mistakes will often act as a catharsis and help the players recoup their morale.
Never say die: Supported by a vision and team spirit , the players would find it easier to adopt a "never say die" approach. In enterprises the critical moment of a shakehand to "seal the deal", is the equivalent of a goal in football. It gets tougher as you near the goal and that is when the "never say die" approach is required to clinch the sale. A vision of a future and the comfort of a team support goes a long way to success in this third aspect.
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17MAR14
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